Barcelona player ratings as Messi strikes twice from free-kicks in 4-0 win

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  • Barcelona enjoyed a comfortable 4-0 win over local rivals Espanyol in La Liga on Saturday night.

    Lionel Messi struck from two sublime free-kicks in either half, book-ending the scoring for Ernesto Valverde’s men.

    The Argentine also set up Ousmane Dembele in the first half who then turned provider for Luis Suarez.

    The win away from home was their fifth in seven games for the Catalans.

    Here, we rate the performances of Barcelona’s players.

    STARTING XI

    Marc-Andre ter Stegen – Saw some action with the hosts having a number of shots but their efforts were usually wayward or only required routine saves. 7

    Nelson Semedo – Usually lauded for his attacking displays, the right-back put in a solid shift at the other end of the pitch, making six tackles and four interceptions. 7

    Gerard Pique – Wasn’t really stretched at the back and not at his best on the ball with his long-ball distribution lacking. 5

    Clement Lenglet – Excellent in possession. Sprayed the ball around nice and was composed in defence. 6

    Jordi Alba – Didn’t have much of an impact in attack as he usually does but made a number of important clearances. 6

    Ivan Rakitic – One of his best displays this season. Made a game-high seven interceptions and was the pass master in midfield. Unlucky not to score with a header. 8

    Sergio Busquets – Kept things simple in the middle of the park. A quiet performance from the Spaniard. 6

    Arturo Vidal – Excelled as a ball-winner in midfield and pushed up in support of the forwards. 7

    Lionel Messi – Two goals – both sublime free-kicks – plus an assist. Just another day at the office. Easily the best player as he created several chances and breezed past defenders with ease. Hit the post with a header as well. 9

    Luis Suarez – Missed a superb chance from Messi’s pass but then scored from an impossible angle. Made good runs and created space for his team-mates while also hitting the woodwork on one occasion. 7

    Ousmane Dembele – Sensational strike for his goal and assisted Suarez with an excellent through ball. Went on some good runs and always looked dangerous. 8

    SUBS

    Philippe Coutinho – Replaced Dembele in the 68th minute and looked good on the ball. 6

    Munir El Haddadi – Came on for Suarez and never really got involved apart from one deflected effort. N/A

    Denis Suarez – Introduced for Rakitic in the closing stages. N/A

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