Celta 1-1 Barça: Player Ratings
Did the youngsters impress?
Jasper Cillessen
Not a lot he could have done for Celta’s goal as it was fired in at such pace that no keeper stood a chance. Otherwise, he was good.
You say: 7
Sam says: 7
Lucas Digne
Kept his left flank clear of chances and the majority of Celta’s attacks came through the middle or down the right. In an attacking sense, he wasn’t as effective as Semedo but still put in dangerous crosses from time to time.
You say: 7
Sam says: 7
Thomas Vermaelen
Another good performance from the Belgian which included a few crucial blocks. Seems to be building a good partnership with Piqué.
You say: 8
Sam says: 8
Gerard Piqué
As Piqué desperatley ran across to get the block in, Semedo dropped in to cover and this left space at the far post for Celta to score their goal. Had Piqué stayed in his position and trusted Cillessen to make the save, the goal may not have been scored. He also seemed to struggle with the pace of Aspas throughout but his partnership with Vermaelen helped.
You say: 7
Sam says: 7
Nélson Semedo
Started the game very brightly. Usuing his pace to catch up to Iago Aspas (who is no sloiuch himself) and making a last ditch tackle. Then at the other end, he produced a great cutback and then a chipped cross that looked dangerous. Throughout the game, he was creating chances and showing signs of his early season form.
You say: 9
Sam says: 9
Sergio Busquets
Kept Barça ticking in the middle as usual and almost scored an amazing goal. A side foot shot with such power that once it rocketed onto the crossbar, it shot several feet into the air.
You say: 8
Sam says: 7
Denis Suárez
Missed a sitter after a superb Semedo cross. Largely looked ineffective on the left wing and wanted to cut in more often than not.
You say: 6
Sam says: 6
André Gomes
This game was by no means his worst in a Barça shirt but he can be guilty of taking too many touches on occasion and making the wrong decision. However, he did get the assist for the goal with a driven cross into the box. Just needs to work on what to do and when.
You say: 7
Sam says: 7
Paulinho
Not as effective as he has been recently, perhaps due to the lack of a Messi ahead of him. When he did push forward, he didn’t create a lot with the ball and dragged a shot wide.
You say: 6
Sam says: 6
José Arnaiz
Was looking lively in the opening minutes with some good runs and then was rewarded for his effort. Free as a daisy in the middle of the box, he produced a hard, accurate shot into the bottom corner to score his first goal. Was unlucky not to score a second after a brave diving header. All in all, a good way to kick off 2018 for the youngster.
You say: 8
Sam says: 8
Aleix Vidal
A similar problem to Suárez in that he did not create enough out on the wing.
You say:
Sam says: 6
Ivan Rakitić
Looked to get Barça in ahead in the final minutes but ultimately could not quite do it.
You say: 7
Sam says: 7
Ousmane Dembélé
Great to see him back after such a long injury. Looked okay in the brief spells we saw him.
You say: 6
Sam says: 7
Sergi Roberto
Only played a few minutes.
You say: 7
Sam says: N/A
Ernesto Valverde
Gave the youngsters a chance while introducing Dembélé back into the fold. In the grand scheme of things, 1-1 is not a bad result to take back to the Camp Nou.
You say: 8
Sam says: 7
The Team
Looked vulnerable at times but got a good result in the end.
You say: 7
Sam says: 7
MOTM?
You say: Semedo (43.6%)
Sam says: Semedo
Source: Sam Cooper http://ift.tt/2m1Wo2i
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