Yours and Sam’s scores for a big European night
Marc-André ter Stegen
Chelsea’s wayward attempts and a strong Barça backline meant ter Stegen was rarely tested. He only made three saves in the game but looked more than capable when called upon. The only slight doubt was how close he was to Alonso’s free kick but luckily for the German the set piece could only find the outside of the post.
Sam’s Rating: 8
Your Rating: 8
Jordi Alba
Surprisingly considering they played with wing backs, Chelsea’s play was very central and that meant Alba did not have much to do down the wings. However, he was up against Chelsea’s most in-form player in Willian and marshalled him well.
Sam’s Rating: 8
Your Rating: 8
Gerard Piqué
Enjoyed the aerial battle against Giroud even if it meant a few elbows. He largely won all his duels which forced Giroud further downfield in the hopes of seeing the ball.
Sam’s Rating: 7
Your Rating: 8
Samuel Umtiti
Superb in the middle of defence. Block after block after block, there was an almost exasperated look on Giroud’s face when his French compatriot denied Chelsea yet again. The little magician up front would take the headlines but it would have been a much more difficult night for Barça if it wasn’t for Umtiti.
Sam’s Rating: 10
Your Rating: 9
Sergi Roberto
With Hazard favouring a central position, Roberto’s defensive zone was often left blank. Regardless he maintained status quo on the right flank.
Sam’s Rating: 7
Your Rating: 7
Sergio Busquets
Frequently won the ball back in the middle of the park whilst adding the passing game. With another excellent defensive midfielder on the pitch in Kante, Busquets won this mini-battle. Had to be substituted in the second half due to injury.
Sam’s Rating: 8
Your Rating: 8
Ivan Rakitić
Added a directness to Barça’s play that was lacking at times. During the phases when Chelsea were on top he dropped deep to cover alongside Busquets and made four tackles in the process.
Sam’s Rating: 8
Your Rating: 8
Andrés Iniesta
Made a few probing runs into the box and also looked to test Courtois from range at points. Wasn’t at his best but this is to be expected coming back from injury and Barça’s ball retention noticeably dropped when he left the field.
Sam’s Rating: 7
Your Rating: 7
Ousmane Dembélé
One of his best Barça performances to date. He was lively, involved in the player but did look a little raw on occasions. His passes found their targets but occasionally they were a yard behind where they need to be and that slowed Barça’s attacks. Produced an excellent finish to score his first goal for the club.
Sam’s Rating: 9
Your Rating: 8
Luis Suárez
A day after the game, a stat appeared that Suárez has not scored a Champions League goal in a year but what would be a discredit to the service he provides to the team. His movement shifts the defence and allows the likes of Messi and Dembélé more freedom. He may not have got a goal but he was crucial to Barça’s success.
Sam’s Rating: 9
Your Rating: 8
Lionel Messi
At his clinical best in this game. If Chelsea lost the ball in a dangerous area, Messi was there to punish them. A mixture of smart finishing and bad goalkeeping allowed Messi to fire two shots through Courtois’ legs and the Argentine decided this game. Also noteworthy was his ability to drop deep and slow the tempo at a time when Chelsea were probing.
Sam’s Rating: 10
Your Rating: 10
Paulinho
Swapped in for Iniesta, Paulinho did not do a lot but did provide fresh legs that where needed.
Sam’s Rating: 6
Your Rating: 7
Andre Gomes
Greeted to a massive ovation as he entered the field, the mental burden seemed to be eased a little and he did show glimmers of what he can do.
Sam’s Rating: 7
Your Rating: 7
Aleix Vidal
Played a significant portion but did not get massively involved.
Sam’s Rating: 6
Your Rating: 7
The Team
A performance when they punished Chelsea during their dominant phases and defended well when Chelsea had theirs. The game was not a dominating Barça performance but perhaps more symbolic of the pragmatic Valverde approach. Hit hard when you’re on top and defend well when you’re not.
Sam’s Rating: 8
Your Rating: 9
Ernesto Valverde
Set the team up to soak pressure and hurt Chelsea. Right team selection and Dembélé thanked his manger for the start with a fine performance.
Sam’s Rating: 8
Your Rating: 9
MOTM?
Sam says: Messi
You say: Messi
MOTMOTM?
Sam says: Umtiti
You say: Umtiti
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://ift.tt/2pb2S0v
0 التعليقات:
إرسال تعليق