Barcelona emerged victorious in their La Liga Matchday 4 fixture against Valencia. Ernesto Valverde’s men were clearly the better team during the entire ninety minutes of action.
The final score-line was 5-2 with Luis Suarez scoring two goals after coming off the bench in the 60th minute. There were no signs of sluggishness from Suarez despite being away from the pitch for nearly a month.
The hosts started the game in formidable fashion with two goals within the opening six minutes at the Camp Nou. Ansu Fati and Frenkie de Jong were involved in both of Barca’s first two goals. The 16-year-old attacker even received a standing ovation from the Camp Nou faithful.
Valencia seemed to be missing from the game for this first twenty minutes or so. Barcelona enjoyed a staggering 82% possession in that period. The score-line at half time was 2-1 with Kevin Gameiro pulling one back for Valencia. Pique scored early in the second half before Suarez came on and handed the visitors further embarrassment.
Ernesto Valverde must be relieved with this performance of his side. Here’s how his team was rated in their 5-2 thrashing of Valencia.
Starting Eleven
Ter Stegen – 6/10
Was largely untested on the night. Let in two goals and failed to hold onto a clean-sheet once again.
Nelson Semedo – 7/10
Semedo had an average evening. He was well-positioned in defence and made the occasional runs forward.
Gerard Pique – 6/10
Defence seems to be an area of concern for Barcelona. Gerard Pique was pretty slow on the night and did not seem to be alert about his surroundings. He got onto the scoresheet nevertheless.
Clement Lenglet – 7.5/10
Clement Lenglet was an outstanding presence in the Barcelona defence. His physical presence and good positioning helped Barcelona on a couple of occasions on the night.
Jordi Alba – 6.5/10
Alba had a very average night. He was the guilty party for letting in Barcelona’s first goal as he played Kevin Gameiro onside.
Arthur – 7/10
Arthur had a very decent evening. The Brazilian seemed lively in midfield and was keeping the game ticking for the hosts.
Sergio Busquets – 7.5/10
Busquets had a very busy evening in the centre of midfield. He orchestrated Barcelona’s game until he was taken off in order to be given some rest before Barcelona’s UEFA Champions League tie against Borussia Dortmund.
Frenkie de Jong – 8/10
The former Ajax man had a sensational evening against Valencia. He assisted the first goal for Ansu Fati and then scored the second goal of the night.
Perez – 7/10
The young attacker had an eventful evening. His performance was largely overshadowed by Ansu Fati. Perez seems to have the potential to make it big at the Camp Nou.
Griezmann – 7/10
Griezmann toiled hard to get himself on the score-sheet. The Frenchman still seems to be adapting to the Barcelona way of football.
Fati – 8/10
The youngster enjoyed a dream debut in the starting eleven. Fati scored Barcelona’s first goal within two minutes of kick-off. He then followed it up with a sumptuous assist for Frenkie de Jong.
Substitutes
Luis Suarez – 8/10
Suarez enjoyed a fabulous return from injury with two goals to his name. The striker was clinical in both his goals.
Ivan Rakitic – 7/10
Rakitic had an average night post coming on as a substitute.
Arturo Vidal – 6/10
Did not have much involvement in the game.
