Villarreal vs Barcelona Player Ratings: Barca run riot again

Barcelona continued their absolutely ridiculous start to the new season in La Liga with a 5-1 thumping of Villarreal away from home. Heavily depleted and smarting from a midweek loss to Monaco, Barcelona were expected to struggle. But none of that came to the fore as braces from Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski as well as a couple of great performances from youngster Pablo Torre and Lamine Yamal carried them to another victory. That’s now 6 wins from 6 for Hansi Flick in the league and 22 goals to accompany.

Villarreal Player Ratings vs Barcelona

Goalkeeper

D. Conde — 6/10. Couldn’t do much to stop Barcelona’s onslaught. Saved a few shots but nothing extraordinary.

Defenders

Kiko — 6/10. One of Villarreal’s better performers on the night. Good job on the ball and locked Raphinha down as well.

E. Bailly — 5/10. Didn’t stand in the way of much against the Blaugrana. Gave away a penalty which Lewandowski missed.

L. Costa — 5/10. Had a great first start last week but the occasion got to him today. Had no answers to what Barcelona came up with.

S. Cardona – 4/10. Given nightmares by Lamine Yamal. Couldn’t stand up to the youngster.

Midfielders

Y. Pino — 6/10. Looked bright in whatever chances he got. Also hit the crossbar from a header.

S. Comesana — 7/10. A saving grace in midfield for the Yellow Submarines. Won the most duels and the most tackles.

D. Parejo – 5/10. Completely dominated by the Barcelona attack and midfield. Not the best game for the experienced midfielder.

A. Baena — 6/10. One of Villarreal’s brighter players in the game. Looked dangerous in transitions especially.

Forwards

N. Pepe — 7/10. Created a number of chances and bothered Barcelona. Had a goal ruled out for offside.

A. Perez – 7/10. Barely touched the ball but was very effective. Scored a goal and created a number of chances.

Substitutions

T. Barry – 5/10. Had a goal ruled out for offside after coming on. Made one pass in the game.

P. Sarr – 5/10. Couldn’t make any effect in the game. Was ultimately ineffective.

D. Suarez – 5/10. Didn’t make much of an impact in the game.

I. Akhomach – 4/10. Booked for a terrible foul on Yamal.

R. Terrats – N A.

Manager

Marcelino – 5/10. His side looked good in transitions but completely torn apart in defence.

Barcelona Player Ratings vs Villarreal

Goalkeeper

M. Ter Stegen – 6/10. Had a good first half and made a few saves. Subbed off with a terrible-looking injury.

Defenders

J. Kounde – 7/10. Solid and reliable in possession. Combined well with Lamine Yamal on the wing.

S. Dominguez – 6/10. Decent first start for the youngster. Occasionally looked troubled and eventually taken off.

I. Martinez – 7/10. The experienced defender has been immense at the start of the season. Yet another terrific performance from him.

G. Martin – 6/10. Replaced Alejandro Balde in the starting XI. Did his job alright in the most part.

Midfielders

E. Garcia – 7/10. Good performance in midfield. Looking more at home at the centre of the park with every passing game.

Pedri – 7/10. Typical class performance from Pedri. Controlled the game, especially in the second half and even picked up an assist.

P. Torre – 9/10. One of the first times he has been allowed to actually play for Barca and what a performance. A great assist and a great goal for the youngster.

Forwards

L. Yamal – 9/10. Comes up with a masterclass in every game. Hit the post, created 3 big chances, won a penalty and supplied a ridiculous assist.

R. Lewandowski – 9/10. Scored a good brace. Looking really sharp this season. Although did miss a second half penalty.

Raphinha – 8/10. Another top performance from the Brazilian. Scored a second-half brace and now up to 5 goals for the season.

Substitutions

I. Pena – 6/10. Stepped up well for Ter Stegen. Could be a long stint for the first team.

P. Cubarsi – 6/10. Came on and did the job well enough. Rested from the start today.

M. Casado – 7/10. Made 30 passes in 30 minutes after coming on. A good cameo from him.

P. Victor – 7/10. Assisted Raphinha’s goal after coming on. Good cameo from him too.

H. Fort – N.A.

Manager

H. Flick – 9/10. Another flawless result for Barcelona under the German gaffer. The start to the campaign has been phenomenal.