FC Barcelona's 2015-16 season review and player ratings

Having won the esteemed treble last season, Barcelona came into this season as favourites for every competition they were playing in. The majority of the squad had been retained and new signings would be joining in February. Things were looking perfect.

The season began on a high, with Barcelona securing the first trophy in the month of August itself, beating Sevilla 5-4 in a thrilling UEFA Super Cup Final. Only a week later though, the club suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat at the hands of Athletic Club Bilbao in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup final, which they couldn’t turn around in the second leg. And just like that, the dreams of another sextuple were over.

The La Liga campaign was successful for the most part, with the club emerging champions at the end of the season. Having lost a couple of games to Celta Vigo and Sevilla in September-October in the early part of the campaign, the club went on an unbeaten streak which would last until April. With the 39-match unbeaten run in all competitions, Barcelona set a new national record.

Come April, the club was more than 10 points clear at the top and the title seemed all but wrapped up. But what followed was almost a disaster. Having been held by Villarreal the previous month, the club lost three successive league games, and the title race was blown wide open.

The disaster was averted in time though, and the players picked themselves up. They won the rest of the games to secure the title, with a 3-0 victory against Granada in the final league game of the season.

The Champions League defence didn’t go so well, and the club was defeated in the quarterfinal stage of the tournament by rivals Atletico Madrid in what was a repeat of the 2014 fixture. FC Barcelona did manage to secure the domestic cup, defeating Sevilla 2-0 in extra time at Vincente Calderon in the final game of the season.

All in all, this season turned out be a successful one, with the club securing the domestic double. 

Here we take a look at how the different players fared over the season.

Claudio Bravo – 7.5/10

The Chilean keeper was amazing for most of the season, helping the club keep a few clean sheets here and there. He made quite a few crucial saves in many important games without which the title would not have been possible. 

Marc-Andre Ter Stegen – 8/10

The German shot-stopper was even better than his Chilean counterpart. Having a not-so-good start to the season and conceding some very poorly orchestrated goals, the young German picked up his game and was amazing in the second half of the season, despite not getting enough time to play.

His performance in the Copa Del Rey final against Sevilla was one of the best goalkeeping performances of the season.

Jordi Masip – N/A

With Marc-Andre Ter Stegen and Claudio Bravo staying fit and performing consistently over the season, the third choice keeper didn’t get any time to play.

Dani Alves – 6.5/10

The Brazilian full-back had a much poorer season than what is expected from him. There were some games where he was brilliant, and then there were others where he was downright horrible.

Jordi Alba – 6/10

The little Spaniard was far from perfect this season. He left the left flank open on many occasions and was not too potent in attack either. There were some brilliant games, sure, but he was average for the larger part of the season.

Gerard Pique – 8.5/10

Just like last season, Gerard Pique proved to be the wall at the back for Barcelona. He provided the much-needed stability to the defensive lineup, which would have shattered otherwise.

Javier Mascherano – 7/10

While age might be affecting his game, the Argentine did not show any lack of commitment to the defence. He gave his personal best and made crucial interceptions and tackles whenever it was required of him. 

Jeremy Mathieu – 6/10

Jeremy Mathieu cemented his spot as Barcelona’s third choice centre back over Marc Bartra and Thomas Vermaelen. He had a decent season overall and played a total of 21 league games, coming in as a substitute for most of them. His season was marred by an injury towards the end of the season while playing for France.

Thomas Vermaelen – N/A

The former Arsenal man didn’t play enough games to justify his place in the squad. Along with Douglas, he has been one of the worst signings of the Enrique era.

Marc Bartra – 5.5/10

Marc Bartra did not get much time to play as compared to his other teammates. Luis Enrique preferred Jeremy Mathieu over the young Spaniard as the club’s third choice centre-back. For the little time he did get on the field, Bartra showed discipline and gave a few decent performances.

Douglas – N/A

With another season gone without any playing time, Douglas has been the worst signing of the Enrique era.

Adriano – N/A

Lusi Enrique gave the veteran Brazilian much less game time than he has had over the past few seasons. With Jordi Alba staying fit for the major part of the season and Roberto replacing him at times when needed, Adriano was a rare sight on the pitch.

Aleix Vidal – 5.5/10

Along with Arda Turan, Vidal was another late addition to the squad. While he did get some time to play during his first month, Dani Alves was preferred over him by Luis Enrique for all the major games. 

Andres Iniesta – 8.5/10

The club captain was one of the best players on team, as usual. He consistently gave good performances, and many brilliant ones too. The highlight of the season has to be the outstanding performance in El Clasico at the Bernabeu where he received a rare standing ovation from the Madrid crowd.

Ivan Rakitic – 7/10

Ivan Rakitic was not as good as last season but was not bad either. The Croatian showed utmost commitment and performed consistently to keep the midfield ticking.

Sergio Busquets – 7.5/10

Sergio Busquets had another great season. The midfielder has been shelling out great performances consistently year after year and continued to do so this time around.

Sergi Roberto – 8/10

Sergi Roberto is what we can call the find of the season. The rise of this young Spaniard was phenomenal. From having barely played any games last season, he ended up becoming an integral part of the squad this time around. Playing at seven different positions, and performing extremely well at every single one of them is not an easy task, a task which Roberto performed with perfection.

Rafinha – 5.5/10

Rafinha stayed out injured for most of the season and did not play enough games to justify a higher rating.

Lionel Messi – 8.5/10

Lionel Messi, as usual, was one of the best players for Barcelona this season. Despite being out injured for two months, the talisman ended the season with impressive statistics. Goals and assists aside, the Argentine was integral in the gameplay and provided the much needed smooth link between the midfield and attack.

Neymar – 7/10

While the Ballon d’Or nominee had a great season, it was far from what his previous season had been like. He started the season strong before slacking off towards the second half of the season.

Luis Suarez – 9/10

Luis Suarez has to be the player of the season for the Blaugrana. Scoring a massive 59 goals in all competitions, the Uruguayan has cemented his position in the team for the next few years to come, and also as one of the best players in the world. Many of his goals came when the team desperately needed to score, rendering his performances all the more important.

Arda Turan – 6/10

The Turkish captain joined the squad late in January and much was expected from him. Sadly though, he failed to make a mark. He didn’t get much time on the pitch and whatever time he did get, he was far from his usual best.

Munir El Haddadi– 5/10 

Another player who did not get much time to prove his worth. Most of his playing time came when Lionel Messi was out injured. While the youngster did score a few goals in Copa games, he was not that impressive in the league fixtures.

Sandro – N/A 

With Luis Enrique preferring Munir and Arda over him for the role of the fourth attacker, Sandro did not get much play time.