Overview: As the Blaugrana played at the Camp Nou against Granada, Ronald Koeman returned to a 4-3-3 formation, playing a selection of youth, especially in defence. Granada quickly scored a headed effort by Duartes, which put them ahead for 90 minutes. But then Gavi perfectly placed a ball in the air for Araujo to equalize. Overall, it was a poor game. But a glimpse of promise was shown as the Barça youngsters displayed their talent vs Granada. But for them to develop it, they need more game time.
Defence
GK: Ter Stegen – 6.5/10: Despite conceding a headed effort by Duartes, Ter Stegen had a decent outing against Granada. Keeping the ball out of the net a few times and was good with his feet.
LB: Alejandro Balde – 6/10: He was forced off with a back injury before the first half finished. In his given time, he showed his qualities but was ineffective to make an impact on the match.
CB: Eric Garcia – 6/10: Not a bad outing for young Eric, as he displayed his good ball playing ability, but other than the threat Granada imposed in the first goal, not much defending was required to convince, but a huge improvement compared to previous performances.
CB: Ronald Araujo – 9.5/10: The Uruguayan defender played an excellent game against Granada in both ends of the pitch. Looked like a huge threat to Granada in the air, especially in the box. His warrior mentality pushed Barça to a draw vs Granada. Easily the man of the match.
RB: Sergino Dest – 6/10: Starting at right back but soon shifting to left back as young Balde was injured, he looked a threat on both flanks. He put in 16 crosses, with only 1 being reached to a player. Moreover, he lost the ball 30 times in the match.
Midfield
CM: Frenkie De Jong – 6/10 : Tried his best to push Barça forward vs Granada. Running from down deep, trying to create some space. He was involved in a few dangerous attacks in the second half.
CDM: Busquets – 5/10: The Blaugrana captain, Sergio Busquets, didn’t have the best of games against Granada, he gave the ball away many times, but was not punished.
CM: Sergi Roberto – 5/10: Returned to his preferred position, Roberto had a chance but hit the crossbar. But other than that, he was quite ineffective.
Offence
LW: Phillipe Coutinho – 5/10: The Brazilian started in his first game for nearly over 9 months after an injury. He was not that impressive as he got subbed off in the hour mark.
ST: Memphis Depay – 6/10: Koeman’s talisman, Memphis, missed a couple of good chances, but was still looking well involved in the positive sides of Barça’s game.
RW: Yusuf Demir – 6/10: The 18-year-old had his few bright moments, but also disappeared. With more games, he will certainly improve and shine brighter.
Substitutes:
RB: Oscar Mingueza – 6/10: Offensively not the best (but not bad), he offers much more solidity in the fullback position than the other options.
ST: Luuk De Jong – 3.5/10: Missed a huge chance, that could have tied the game earlier. He looked like he was afraid of getting involved in the match. A performance that left 0 impact on the match.
CM: Gavi – 7/10: Energetic as always, the 17-year-old gave a good performance in the time given, as he assisted the equalizer. Great talent and performance.
ST: Gerard Pique – 5/10: Coming on in as an emergency striker, to help Barça salvage a point or three, he pushed himself and tried to do what he can but to no avail he couldn’t do much.
CM: Riqui Puig – 5.5/10: Was given the ball but couldn’t retain it and with the short amount of time he was given he couldn’t impact the match severely.
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