The most recent of era’s this season, The Post Koeman Era didn’t start of as you would expect. A draw against Alaves does no good but overall Barca seemed much more energetic and motivated under Barjuan than with Koeman. A decent first half followed by a 2 goal second half. Barça need to defensively pull themselves together, after conceding an easily preventable goal from Alaves. Barça had many chances to make the game in favour of themselves but couldn’t capitalize on them. This was a game that should’ve ended 3-1 but ended as a draw as both teams share their points.
Defense
GK – Ter Stegen: 6/10: The German shot stopper was not disturbed during the first half but went easily down in the Alaves equaliser.
RB – Mingueza: 6.5/10: Defensively solid but offensively wasn’t threatening towards the Alaves defence. He looked alright during the match, a decent performance from the Spanish fullback.
CB – Pique: 5/10: Played decently to keep out danger but was at fault when Alaves scored the equaliser, as he easily let Rioja get behind him. Unfortunately, he picked up an injury in the 70th minute, and won’t be available for the next game.
CB – Eric Garcia: 6.5/10: The youngster was great this match as his ball carrying and passing was top notch, but his defensive ability is slowly picking up. A solid performance from Eric, once he builds that form, he could become a crucial player for Barca this season.
LB – Alba: 6.5/10: Wasn’t the best of nights for the Spaniard, as he did get an assist, but it was a simple pass towards Memphis. Although he was involved in the offensive side of things, he couldn’t do much to create as he only had one chance created, and defensively wasn’t spectacular.
Midfield
CM – Nico: 7.5/10: The best Barça player from last match carried his performance vs Alaves as well. His strong physicality is something Barca misses, especially in games against Bayern, etc. On the ball he was great as well, setting up Memphis for an easy chance but just for the number 9 to miss it.
CDM – Busquets: 6.5/10: Was a decent night for the Captain, he had the two gems of La Masia alongside him in midfield and he was great in creating chances.
CM – Gavi: 7.5/10: The 17-year-old, La Masia prodigy was as excellent as ever. His dribbling, intensity and creativity helped Barca a lot, also making 3 key passes.
Attack
RW – Dest: 6.5/10: It seems that Dest may have to return to fullback as things aren’t really clicking with him on the wing.
ST – Aguero: 6/10: Could’ve changed the game and helped Barça achieve 3 points. But his sudden and unfortunate injury in the first half denied the opportunity. The Barça Buzz team all wish Kun recovers well and fast.
LW – Memphis: 8/10: Barça’s number 9 scored a beauty. However, he was wasteful with his chances he received as he could’ve put Barça ahead 3 times, but this goal will give him some confidence.
Substitutes
Coutinho: 5/10: Came on in the first half for Aguero but he slowed down Barca’s attack.
Puig: 6/10: Played 20 minutes but couldn’t get Barca to score, but his energy was seen.
Lenglet: 6/10: Lenglet looked pretty average. He replaced Pique and he did his job decently.
Abde: 5/10: Making his debut, he didn’t have much impact on the game like Puig.
Balde: 5/10: Came on the same time as Abde, but couldn’t change the game.
