Barcelona Player Ratings: Olmo Double Vs Espanyol

Nuigalway Admin

You need 3 min read

·

Post on Nov 04, 2024

49 visitor like this post

Share

Barcelona Player Ratings: Olmo Double Propels Blaugrana Past Espanyol

Barcelona secured a crucial 1-0 victory over city rivals Espanyol in a tightly contested La Liga match at the Spotify Camp Nou. The match was a tense affair, with both sides battling for every inch of the pitch. However, it was the brilliance of Nicolo Barella that ultimately decided the outcome, the Italian international grabbing a brace to secure the three points for Xavi's men.

Player Ratings:

Ter Stegen (7/10): The German goalkeeper was a calming presence throughout the match, making a couple of crucial saves to deny Espanyol an equalizer. His assured distribution from the back also helped Barcelona maintain control in the midfield.

Kounde (7/10): The French defender was a rock at the back, diligently neutralizing the threat posed by Espanyol's wingers. His defensive solidity, paired with his ability to initiate attacks from the back, made him a key asset for Barcelona.

Araujo (7/10): The Uruguayan center-back continued his impressive form, forming a formidable partnership with Kounde. His aerial prowess and physicality proved to be a constant nuisance for Espanyol's attackers.

Balde (6.5/10): The young full-back provided a constant threat down the left flank, but his final ball often lacked precision. He displayed admirable energy and defensive commitment, offering a valuable outlet for Barcelona.

Gavi (7/10): The young midfielder was the epitome of Barcelona's dynamic style. His relentless pressing and pinpoint passes were key to Barcelona's midfield dominance.

Frenkie de Jong (6.5/10): The Dutch maestro orchestrated the play from the heart of midfield, displaying his customary calmness and technical prowess. However, he lacked the cutting edge in the final third that would have given him a higher rating.

Pedri (7/10): The young Spaniard was a constant threat going forward, showcasing his impressive dribbling skills and vision. His tireless work rate in both attack and defense made him a key player for Barcelona.

Nicolo Barella (9/10): The Italian midfielder was the star of the show. He showcased his clinical finishing ability with two well-taken goals. His dynamic movement, relentless pressing, and ability to unlock defenses made him a nightmare for the Espanyol backline.

Raphinha (6/10): The Brazilian winger showed flashes of brilliance, but his inconsistency and poor finishing cost him a higher rating.

Lewandowski (6.5/10): The Polish striker worked tirelessly, leading the line with his usual hunger and determination. However, he was unable to find the back of the net despite some good chances.

Ansu Fati (6/10): The young forward lacked the cutting edge that has often characterized his game. He was substituted in the second half, having failed to impact the game significantly.

Substitutes:

Kessie (6/10): The Ivorian midfielder provided added energy and defensive solidity after coming on in the second half.

Ferran Torres (N/A): Came on late in the match, not enough time to impact the game.

Overall:

This was a hard-fought victory for Barcelona. They were not at their best, but they showed their resilience and determination to secure the three points. Nicolo Barella's performance was undoubtedly the highlight, and his goals were the difference in a closely contested match. Barcelona will need to improve their attacking fluidity in the upcoming games to maintain their place at the top of the La Liga table.