Player Ratings : Barça vs Levante

FC Barcelona finally picked up three points again at home. A bright game for any Cule to watch, as Barça scored three goals against a weak Levante squad. Koeman relied on La Masia, as he started both Nico and Gavi, replacing De Jong and Roberto. As the youth flourished and shined vs Levante, Barça were able to show who they really were, after their winless run in the past week. The brightest stage of the match was Ansu Fati’s brilliant goal from his return which was an emotional and electrifying moment for the fans.

Defence

GK: Ter Stegen – 7/10: Had no real threat towards him during most of the match, but in the last 10 minutes he saved 2 shot, keeping a clean sheet.

RB: Mingueza – 8/10: Was great defensively, making sure Levante didn’t utilise their right flank, and stepped up in attack. Delivering some great balls into the box.

CB: Pique – 7/10: Played a very solid game, missed a chance to make it 3-0 early on in the game. His experience and aerial ability helped a lot.

CB: Eric Garcia – 7/10: Like his defensive partner, he played a solid game. Even though this Levante side was rarely threatening, he did is job well and kept the ball moving.

LB: Dest – 8.5/10: One of his best matches for the Blaugrana. He was key in attack, as it was demonstrated in the second goal Barça scored, as he went past the defence to put a good ball through to Luuk De Jong. A wonderful performance.

Midfield

CM: Gavi – 8/10: The teenage prodigy produced a good performance, as he racked up his second La Liga start under Ronald Koeman. He took on challenges and evaded pressure as usual, getting the ball to move forward.

CDM: Busquets – 7.5/10: With 2 fresh youth players accompanying him in midfield, Busquets used his experience and his ball playing ability to push Barça forward. 

CM: Nico Gonzalez – 8/10: In his first start for Barça, the 19-year-old shined. He was involved in both offence and defence, pressed up high, and played in some intelligent passes. A key performance.

Forwards

RW: Coutinho – 6.5/10: Still slowly trying to get back into form, Coutinho didn’t do much to be involved. He tried his trademark move, to try and cut in to shoot, but it didn’t work. 

ST: Luuk De Jong – 7/10: The most recent Blaugrana signing, Luuk De Jong, finally scored his first goal for Barça. A great finish from a pass from Dest. 

LW: Memphis – 8/10: Koeman and Barça’s talisman, Memphis didn’t fail to surprise. As he capitalised on an early penalty attempt, he received. Crucial in the final third, his movement was key in Ansu Fati’s goal which made it 3. 

Substitutions

Riqui Puig – 7/10: On for Coutinho, he did his part well, receiving extended minutes from his previous games. He did well to dribble and progress the ball to the attack.

Ansu Fati – 8/10: In his return to the pitch after 10 months, he did excellent! Scored a great goal outside the box and still showed his flair and foot work in the little time given. 

Demir – 6.5/10: Was a shining star, in the final stages of the match, as he provided some flair.

Thomas Karackal