Barcelona player ratings after 5-1 win over Valladolid
Leo Messi shone like the brightest of stars as Barcelona demolished Valladolid. The Argentinean scored two and set up two.
Barcelona player verdicts in their 5-1 LaLiga win over Valladolid at the Camp Nou (2019/20 matchday 11)
Ter Stegen
A fairly tranquil night for the German keeper, although he was at fault for the Valladolid goal, failing to deal with a ball thrown in from the left, which hit Kiko and went past him into the net. Apart from that moment, which left Valladolid level 1-1 at that point, Ter Stegen did what little was asked of him impeccably.
Semedo
Started the match with a number of unforced errors, losing the ball all over the place and causing Ter Stegen a number of stressful moments. However, little by little the Portuguese right-back settled and started showing off his better side.
Piqué
The centre-back was in fine form, dominating every part of the play he was involved in and leaving Valladolid no space in which to create. Incredibly quick to react to the slightest danger. He spent the latter stages of the match lurking around the Valladolid box hoping for a goal.
Lenglet
Perfect start to the match, firing home a deflected effort after two minutes, with the ball hitting a defender en route to the cross bar and going in. After his celebration he played a fine, pragmatic game.
Alba
Decent match from the left-back, offering depth and speed down his wing and making the most of the help offered by Ansu Fati and the ever present De Jong. He came off in the second half, with Valverde all too aware of his lack of a decent alternative down that side.
Sergio Busquets
So good at winning the ball back, he upset Valladolid all night with his anticipation and fast pressure. He moved his whole side around with good judgement and surgical precision. It's clear old rockers never die, though many would like to see them retire.
De Jong
He's the complete midfielder, able to head up and form part of the attack or run the length of the pitch to stop a counter. He moves the ball as if he were drawing on a blank sheet and all with an exquisite elegance. We have here a top, top player. Valverde took him off eventually, thinking about the games to come.
Vidal
Good game from the Chilean, a player whose willingness to give everything on the pitch can never be denied and who fights for every ball as if it were the last one he would ever touch. Tonight he added a superb goal from a sublime Messi pass over the top. Hopefully he'll have got over his grumpiness after this outing, as in the last few weeks he's been clearly unsettled.
Messi
Nobody eats at the same table as Leo Messi. At the very most Cristiano Ronaldo has the desserts and a coffee. Two goals and two assists from Messi tonight to add to his already ridiculous legacy which seems to have no end. His ability to dominate the game, with an almost insulting superiority, is unrivalled. Tonight's free-kick was superb, as were the goals he set up for his team-mates. And on top of that were tricks, skills and the occasional nutmeg. Extraordinary.
Suárez
After a rather erratic first half, the Uruguayan's more incisive, dangerous version appeared for the second 45. He grabbed his goal thanks to the vision and generosity of his friend and team-mate Leo and was in pursuit of his brace to the end. He's now got six goals in LaLiga this season and 185 for Barcelona, the fourth highest tally in the club's history.
Ansu Fati
A starter for the second time this season. He ran his socks off on the left, but struggled to get fully involved in the game at times. Messi looked for him constantly, demonstrating a certain connection with the youngster. He had two shots on goal, one wide, the other excellently saved by Masip. His learning process continues, although tonight he didn't sparkle quite as much as on previous occasions. Remember, he only turns 17 on Thursday...
Barcelona substitutes
Rakitic
A decent performance, in part thanks to the unconditional support from the stands. Provided Messi with an excellent assist.
Griezmann
He tried, but failed to link up with his teammates. Maybe it's time to take a break from watching the NBA live.
Sergi Roberto
Came on right at the end.