With Xavi looking down from above, still under suspension, Barça looked to start a winning streak against the team from Castellón. If anyone was expecting a nice, quiet game from the third matchday of the La Liga season (why would you?) this certainly wasn’t it. FC Barcelona vs Villareal CF has historically been a matchup that’s resulted in plenty of goals, and this one was no different. Barça looked much more dangerous going forward against Villareal, scoring 4, but the home team didn’t sit still either, scoring 3 goals of their own. It was an up-and-down game, to be sure – but how did each player perform today? Let’s take a look.
Goalkeeeper
Marc-André ter Stegen – 6.5
It may feel odd to give a passing grade to a keeper that allowed 3 goals, but ter Stegen also had three massive saves in the first half to keep Barça in the game when Villareal came storming back. It’s always important to be able to keep goalkeeper play in context. He couldn’t have done anything to save the three goals. They were the result more of poor defense than of any shortcomings the German keeper showed. He wasn’t asked to play out from the back much today, but he was fine there too.
Defenders
Sergi Roberto (c) – 4
Where to start. He was pretty bad today, straight up. Defensively, he was a shambles, at times making Villareal left-back Pedraza look like prime Mbappé. Whenever he dropped into Baena’s space, he simply didn’t have the ability to get back to the right back spot and play competent defense. Lamine Yamal didn’t drop back to help him out much, as Raphinha would’ve done, but even still. He was also responsible for allowing Juan Foyth a headed goal when he lost his marking. A bad showing, one that further highlights the need for João Cancelo and a healthy Araújo. Roberto, while being the captain of this squad, simply doesn’t have the attributes necessary to play right back against even a competent offensive team.
Jules Koundé – 7.5
This one was obviously a more difficult one for Barça’s defense today, but the best player at the back was Koundé. He had to deal with Alexander Sørloth, and did quite well. Good in the air, effective with the ball, and just generally not easy to get by. He’s somewhat quietly putting together a great start to the season, at center back or at right back. Very nice.
Andreas Christensen – 5
A bit of a shaky one from him today. He was also dealing with Sørloth, but the rest of the game wasn’t quite as good. He misplaced quite a few passes, was a bit late getting to his spots, and wasn’t his usual self. He was subbed off at halftime due to some discomfort, and replaced by Eric. A game he’ll want to forget soon and move on.
Marcos Alonso – 6
Started off shaky, with a miscommunication on the defensive line that almost led to the opener for Villareal. However, as the match went on, he improved steadily. At this point, we know what Alonso is – a player that’s dangerous going forward but shouldn’t necessarily be trusted at the back.
Eric García – 7
Good one from him. Played out well from the back, kept possession, and didn’t allow any danger to get past him. Good under pressure, as well, when Villareal went down 3-4.
Midfielders
Oriol Romeu – 6
Started off a bit slow, being beaten by a backside run from Sørloth that forced a great save from ter Stegen. However, he quickly improved. He was solid defensively, as always, and sprung a few very nice passes. He also tried a couple of long-range shots, which are always good to keep the defense off balance. He did struggle to keep possession at times, but overall a nice game from him.
Frenkie de Jong – 8
Frenkie was, as usual, everywhere. He started off in a double pivot with Romeu, where he would constantly push up and drive the ball forward. He very early on lofted a great pass to Gündoğan, who couldn’t quite control it. His movement was good, always giving his teammates a passing angle. He exploited space beautifully to score the second goal, even if the bounce was a bit lucky. In the second half, he played as a single pivot when Romeu subbed off and did quite well there too. Overall, a great start to the season for Frenkie as well.
Gavi – 8
Gavi was his usual feisty self. Defensively, as always, a demon. He recovered quite a few balls, and on other occasions, forced Villareal to play long instead of keeping possession. With the ball, he circulated well and popped into the open space quite a bit. He also scored the first goal, off an unexpected header. The young Andalusian truly is an important part of this squad, in ways some don’t appreciate.
Gündoğan – 7
The German grew into the game as time went on, after starting quietly. Apart from anything else, Gündoğan oozes smarts and class, always available to release pressure and maintain possession. But it wasn’t all good, as he didn’t do much going forward, and also struggled defensively in this one.
Fermín López – 7
Came on in the 86th minute. He didn’t play much, but he looked at home out there. He was sharp on the ball, passing it quickly. While he didn’t have a lot of time, what he showed was very interesting. Perhaps Xavi should give him some more run this season.
Forwards
Lamine Yamal – 8
Yamal still struggles defensively, and at times he left Sergi Roberto on an island to defend two players at once. Raphinha would’ve tracked back much more quickly and lent a hand there. But Yamal is 16. Surely he won’t keep starting every match, and surely he’ll learn more and more as time goes on. Offensively, however? Exciting. Super exciting. He can take on defenders, which he did late on in the first half when he split two defenders inside the box. He can pass, which he did for the first goal on a cross to Gavi. And he’s got personality, hitting the post twice. The second of those occasions ended in a wide-open tap in for Lewandowski. Don’t want to hype him up too much, but Barça may have something special here.
Robert Lewandowski – 5.5
While he did get a goal today, it was through no real merit of his own. The same problems that have plagued him through the start of the season continued today, and there doesn’t seem to be improvement thus far. He loses far too many balls by dropping too deep. He ventured out onto the left wing for some reason in the second half, and he scuffed a couple of shots that really deserved better finishes. He had a 1 on 1 with the keeper, a wide-open Ansu to his left, and his shot seemed… disinterested. And was saved. He’s playing like someone devoid of confidence right now.
Ferran Torres – 8
Came on in the 63rd minute for Romeu. Ferran has burst onto the scene early on this season. He’s looked sharp, fit, and motivated. The shark scored again in this one, off a somewhat difficult finish. He was quick, recovered three or four balls in the press, and showed off his movement. Starting as a LW, he came into the middle, combined well there, and finished on the right. Those within the Barça coaching staff have to very seriously consider Ferran starting over Lewandowski.
Ansu Fati – 6
Came on in the 76th minute for Yamal. Strange game from him today, and a selfish one. He wasted several chances, looking spent for confidence. He had a golden opportunity to pass to Lewandowski late on and ice the game… but he didn’t. It seems Ansu is feeling the pressure right now and desperately wants to score or be shipped out of the club. He needs to lighten up, and quick, or he won’t get many more chances.