La Liga: FC Barcelona 0-0 Sevilla: Player Ratings

Victor Valdes 6.5

He had very little to do as majority of the game was in Sevilla’s half. He did step up when required and his only negative might have been how he finds it difficult to properly command his area after a miscommunication with Abidal. Good performance from the Spanish number two.

Daniel Alves 6.0

He had two roles during the 90 minutes; the first was completely defensive as a CB in a 3-4-3 and then changed to his attacking Full Back role in a 4-3-3. He was fairly decent in both with a couple of interceptions. The team needed his crosses to be efficient though and he didn’t seem to perfect them, he seemed to waste a lot of time on the ball in the final third. He saw a lot of the ball as majority of Barca’s play was through the wings

Javier Marcherano 6.5

If he continues at this pace they will be forced to adopt him into the CB position in his national team. The man was good at the back. His interceptions, last ditch challenges and positioning were priceless. He read the game very well and he’s indeed one of Pep’s best accomplishments.

Eric Abidal 5.0

Simply put, it was not his best game. Navas almost stole a ball from his feet in the 18 yard box. His distribution was not at its best as well. He did get away with a clean sheet, that should be a plus right?

Adriano Correia 6.0

Started the game as a winger and ended in his traditional LB position. He had a decent game and his contribution in attacks should have been rewarded with a team goal, but it was not to be.

Seydou Keita 4.5

Why he started instead of Busi is way above me, he had a very bad game. He was no where to be found and when he was found, he couldn’t outdo his expectations. His ball circulation was bad, passes were mostly misplaced and his defensive qualities were not to the level he’s known to provide.

Thiago Alcantara 5.5 < subst 70^th min

He benefited from playing besides the veterans in midfield tonight because their expert performances overshadowed his flaws. He has built a reputation of long range efforts and his attempts were off target. His passes just could not find their man and he was fairly invisible by his standards.

Xavi Hernandez 7.0 < subst

He did his job well, his attackers failed to reward him with a goal. Killer passes as usual, ball circulation and brilliant defensively. The score doesn’t do justice to his performance.

Andres Iniesta 7.5

He would easily walk away with MOTM if Javi Varas didn’t exist. Multiple shorts were saved by the on-form goal keeper. He had an effort hit the cross bar and won the team a penalty. His chemistry with any player closer to him puts him undeniably in the top 5 players in the world (I’d say #3). He has been on a mission ever since recovering from injury.

David Villa 6.0 < subst

When an opponent defends like Sevilla did, you want your attackers at their best and he was not there tonight. He tried very hard but was neutralized by the defense and only a couple of shots on goal registered to his name. His ability to be a midfielder lifted his game a bit as he unselfishly distributed to teammates.

Lionel Messi 7.0

If there are people who think he had a bad game I’m not part of them. His dribbles, 1-2s with players and long range passes into the box were just another day in the office for the diminutive Argentine. His accuracy was that of a clinical finisher but maybe what he needed was a magic ball to beat the keeper. His missed penalty will probably overshadow his performance. I have realized after watching his penalties on youtube that he takes most of them to the right. Penalties are taken by chance (and saved by chance) but when there is a pattern in taking them, then a plan can save them.

Cesc Fabregas 5.5 >70 min Subst

Came in late for Thiago and his impact was instantly felt. He was fairly dynamic and made a couple of decent interceptions. He earned himself a shot on goal but could not change the outcome of the game.

Sergio Busquets 4.5

He came in very late and couldn’t change the outcome of the game, or leave a recognized impact.

Pedro Rodrigez 5.0 >subst

He came in very late as well to make a valuable impact. A few decent touches here and there and his usual cut-ins were visible.

Sevilla’s Worthy Mentions

Javi Veras 9.5

He stole the show at the Camp Nou tonight; everything on target was saved by this man. He was excellent and his penalty save might be his highlight of the season.

Fernando Navarro 5.5

He was doing very well defensively keeping the Nou Camp outfit from scoring but his displays were spoiled by his dismissal

Fred Kanoute 3.5 > subst

His game as a sub would have been fairly decent, he made some stupid decisions in the dying moments and we can never prove that his actions were directly linked with a penalty being missed. He‘s not a representative of fairplay and sportsmanship.

Everyone Else 6.0 (Average)

The team did great defensively. They were highly organized and were compact for majority of the game. They did concede a penalty and their efforts on the counter attack could have been better. Their attackers were better at defending than attacking.

******************************************************************************************************************************

Please say in the comments whether you agree or disagree with the ratings and why?