Ranking Barcelona's 5 best players against Athletic Bilbao | La Liga 2021-22
Looking to extend their unbeaten run in the league, Barcelona welcomed Athletic Bilbao to the Camp Nou for their La Liga matchday 25 clash.
Against a much-changed Athletic team, the Blaugrana ran riots, picking up an impressive 4-0 win. The convincing victory saw them move into the top four, with only Real Madrid, Sevilla, and Real Betis, who have all played a game more, sitting ahead of them.
Keeping Wednesday’s Copa del Rey semi-final clash against Valencia in mind, Bilbao made a plethora of changes to their starting XI. Barca, on the other hand, came all guns blazing, eager to put in a commanding display.
After measuring their opponents in the opening session, Barcelona created their first big chance in the 32nd minute. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang set up Ferran Torres inside the Bilbao box with an inviting pass, but the Spaniard's volley was not good enough to beat Unai Simon.
Five minutes later, Aubameyang took matters into his own hands, bundling the ball home from Gerard Pique’s rebound.
In the 73rd minute, Ousmane Dembele joined the party, beating the keeper with a scintillating effort. Luuk de Jong and Memphis Depay then added a goal each in the dying embers of the match, sealing a 4-0 win for the hosts.
On that note, here are five Barca players who impressed in their convincing win over the Basque outfit on Sunday night:
#5 Frenkie de Jong
Barca midfielder Frenkie de Jong once again produced an eye-catching display. Introduced in the second half, De Jong did not take time adjusting to the pace of the game and got to work right away.
In his 23-minute cameo, he made 29 passes with 93.5 percent accuracy, provided two key passes, and set up Dembele's goal.
Frenkie de Jong has impressed Xavi 👏 https://t.co/R6hsmKdkYo
Spotting the Frenchman’s run down the left, the former Ajax man placed a perfectly weighted first-time pass on his path from midfield.
Dembele took care of the rest with an explosive finish.
#4 Dani Alves
Dani Alves, the oldest player on the pitch, showed that for him age is truly just a number.
The 38-year-old worked tirelessly against Bilbao, doing everything in his power to put Barca on course for another win.
Dani Alves: "I wanted to play and come back with my colleagues. I was punished for two games and was eager to come back." https://t.co/s6Ty2rMxf4
The veteran full-back was solid at the back, fought for every ball, and dashed into the opposition half more often than not.
Over the course of the 90 minutes, the Brazilian won eight duels, completed five recoveries, and registered three clearances.
The right-back also played 89 passes with 85.6 percent accuracy, completed three crosses, and dispatched two key passes into the box.