Barça 2-1 Valencia: Player Ratings

The ratings from Saturday’s win

Marc-Andre ter Stegen

Valencia were not without their attacks and the Barça keeper was regularly called into action. Producing a smart save within four minutes, he kept the visitors at bay. He also made up for his own mistake in spectualcuar fashion with an instinctive push over the bar from close range. Should have done better with the penalty.

You say: 9

Sergi Roberto

Never got close enough to the attackers he was supposed to mark and a lot of the Valencia attempts came from his side.

You say: 6

Gerard Pique

Looked sluggish at times both physically and mentally and could do with a break. While he made tackles and interceptions, he also gave the ball away in dangerous areas. However he was the hero as he cleared a goal bound shot off the line.

You say: 7

Samuel Umtiti

Matched a good defensive performance with an excellent header. Showing strength to hold off the defender he rose to head near post and give Barça a comfortable two goal cushion.

You say: 7

Jordi Alba

Frequently involved in attacks and also kept Valencia’s right wing at bay.

You say: 7

Sergio Busquets

Returned to the side and provided a much needed balance and cool head after the Roma performance. Busquets did not stop every Valencia counterattack but he certainly kept them to a minimum.

You say: 7

Andrés Iniesta

A very attacking game from Iniesta as he regularly made his way into the box. The highlight of this was receiving a lobbed pass from Messi and while Iniesta did make contact with the acrobatic effort, the shot power was minimal and it was easily saved. Post-macth, he gave a cryptic message about his future.

You say: 8

Paulinho

Very quiet in the midfield as he focused on defending rather than attacking. This allowed more attacking freedom for Iniesta and Coutinho.

You say: 6

Philippe Coutinho

Showed great linkup play with Luis Suárez in particular for the first goal. His movement inside coupled with a great slide ball through to the Uruguayn was near impossible to defend and opened the account for Barça. One of Coutinho’s best performances in a Barça shirt so far.

You say: 9

Lionel Messi

His shooting was a little wayward having registered six shots but only two on target. Indeed, it wasn't quite happening for Messi in this game and towards the end he seemed to rush some chances in the hope of a goal.

You say: 7

Luis Suárez

Took his goal very well by finding the bottom corner with his first touch. Has built up a nice understanding with Coutinho.

You say: 7

Ousmane Dembele

Worryingly left out of the starting line up, Demeble was brought on late and only touched the ball nine times during that period. Also managed to pick up a card for a stupid challenge in his own box.

You say: 6

Denis Suarez

Only played ten minutes

You say: 6

Nelson Semedo

Came on in injury time.

You say: 6

Ernesto Valverde

Needed a win after an embarrassment midweek and he got one. Managed the team well.

You say: 7

The Team

Bounced back from the Roma defeat with a professional performance.

You say: 7

MOTM?

You say: ter Stegen