Barcelona 2-1 Sevilla: Player Ratings
FC Barcelona welcomed Sevilla on matchday 11 of La Liga in what was Leo Messi's 600th appearance in a Barcelona shirt. Barcelona started off brightly and could have run away with the game in the opening 45 minutes itself. However, they could muster up only one goal for all their efforts courtesy a fine finish from Paco Alcacer.
The second half saw a resurgent Sevilla who looked very much sharper than the opening half. They equalized from a corner via a thunderous header by Guido Pizzaro. However, their joy was shortlived as Barcelona took the lead via another goal from Alcacer.
Here, let’s take a look at how the players fared for both the teams:
Barcelona
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen: 8/10
Once again, he will be getting points for just his distributions. He was not tested much, barring a few shots from range. However, he could not have done anything about the goal conceded as it was well placed into the top corner.
Nelson Semedo: 7.5/10
Amazing, solid and reliable. The Portuguese star is turning out to be a marvellous signing. He absolutely owned the right side of Barcelona half marauding up and down the pitch. Barcelona faithful can now move on from glory days of Alves.
Gerard Pique: 7.5/10
Pique had a good game as he dominated and won everything that came his way in the air. He won headers, made blocks and clearances and was a calm head in the heart of the Barca defence. However, he was partially at fault for the goal conceded as he lost his ariel duel against Pizzaro.
Samuel Umtiti: 7/10
The French international put in a good performance at the heart of the defence. He did not shy away from challenges and played the ball out well. He was caught in possession once in the first half but thankfully, Muriel did not finish the chance. He grew solid thereafter.
Jordi Alba: 7.5/10
The Spanish fullback, like Semedo, was pretty last night. He took on players in attack and never allowed any Sevilla player to have any sort of joy on his side. Great outing for him.
Sergio Busquets: 7/10
The Spanish International was influential throughout the game. He broke plays and started attacks from his own half. This was a good commanding display from him in the middle of the park. He showed quite a few silky touches and skills.
Ivan Rakitic: 8/10
Written off and ridiculed after a poor start to the season, this Croatian international certainly knows how to shut his critics up. He assisted Barcelona's second with a peach of a cross and was almost always a threat in attack. Amazing match for him which will boost his confidence a lot.
Andres Iniesta: 8/10
Iniesta put in a good performance against Sevilla; he helped out in defence and used the ball wisely. He was influential in attack and gave a performance that we have been accustomed to from him. Superb performance on his return from injury
Luis Suarez: 4/10
The Uruguayan gunman is having quite a poor 2017. Today was no different. He did work hard for his team but lacked any cutting edge which he is famous for. He needs to sort his game out.
Paco Alcacer: 9/10
He was quite influential for the Catalan side as he ran behind defenders and used his pace very well as demonstrated throughout the match. He took both his goals with fine finishes, especially the first one. Always lurking on the shoulder of the defenders, such performances will certainly boost his confidence.
Lionel Messi: 8.5/10
He had a very average game by his alien standards though he still was better than most of the players on the field. He could not find much joy inside the box as Sevilla defended resolutely but was influential whenever he dropped deep.
Substitutes:
Paulinho: 6.5/10
He came on for Iniesta and kept things tidy for the rest of the game.
Gerard Deulofeu: 6/10
He was brought on for Alcacer and kept things simple as he slotted well into the right wing
Javier Mascherano: N/A
Was brought on only in the 90th minute and didn't affect much thereafter.