Fermin 9.5, Raphinha 9 | Barcelona 6-1 Deportivo Alaves: Player Ratings

Fermin 9.5, Raphinha 9 | Barcelona 6-1 Deportivo Alaves: Player Ratings Barcelona made amends after last weekend’s defeat to Real Madrid and returned to their usual best last night, taking on Deportivo Alaves on matchday 11 of La Liga. Playing at home after the disappointment of the Clasico , Barcelona once again appeared to be on song against the visitors and made easy work of them. Within the opening 45 minutes, they were 4-0 up with goals to Raphinha, Fermin Lopez and Lamine Yamal’s names. The game, in that sense, was closed by half-time. After the break, Yamal netted a second and completed Barcelona’s traditional 5-0 scoreline, adding the cherry on top, and Gordon went on to make it six. Barça Universal brings you the player ratings from Barcelona 6-1 Deportivo Alaves. Joan Garcia: 7.5 The goalkeeper made 2 important saves in the opening period but was otherwise relatively free against Deportivo Alaves. He carried forward his run of good form and was flawless with his distribution. Joao Cancelo: 7 The Portuguese full-back had a decent outing for Barcelona, and while he was occasionally caught out in defence, his combination play in the final third was promising. His dribbling was far from perfect against Alaves, but he earned the assist for Lamine Yamal’s goal with a small touch. All in all, a decent game but one that showed that he needs to provide more. Frenkie de Jong: 8 De Jong started in central defence. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) With Barcelona deep in a defensive crisis, Frenkie de Jong was handed a start at centre-back by Hansi Flick and the player did well to replace Gerard Martin. The Dutchman was calm in possession, partnered Pau Cubarsi well and did not make any defensive errors. He had four defensive actions in the first half alone and was a reassuring presence at the back. Pau Cubarsi: 8 The star defender led the defensive line well alongside a new partner and never really looked to be in any form of trouble with as many as 80 touches in the first half alone. His reading of the game was on-point and his distribution was also as good as it can get. He had a busy game, but completed it relatively unperturbed. Brian Farinas: 7.5 The La Masia star was thrown into the deep end by Hansi Flick against Alaves as the manager opted to directly hand him a first start in Xavi Espart’s absence. Given the circumstances and how the player has barely any first-team experience, his display on Saturday night was promising. His distribution was close to perfect, as was his decision-making under pressure. Surprisingly, even his defensive interceptions and contributions were relatively strong for a player playing out of position. A strong display on debut. Rodri: 8.5 The Spanish veteran was instrumental in holding the game together for Barcelona as he connected the defence to the attack while also forming the first line of the defensive wall. His ability to slow down the game, yet hold it all together, was on full display after his disappointing show in El Clasico and he once again showed why he is one of the best in the business. Also earned the assist for Anthony Gordon’s goal with a great ball. Pedri: 8 Pedri played only 45 minutes against Alaves. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) The Canary Islander played only one half for Barcelona last night, and while it was initially unclear why he was hooked off at half-time, it was to give him rest and not for an injury. When on the field, he formed a stable partnership with Rodri and ensured that Barcelona dominated the game through possession and even drifted into attacking areas. His substitution was a sign that Flick has learnt that his midfield requires extensive rotations. Fermin Lopez: 9.5 It was Fermin Lopez’s night after a long time. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) Fermin had an exceptional game against Alaves, especially in the first half when he was at his imperial best and seemingly untouchable. He provided a crucial assist to Raphinha for the team’s opening goal and then scored from an almost impossible angle to double the team’s lead. Fermin then went on to assist Raphinha’s second goal with a great through ball as well. His numbers in the second half did not nearly reach the same level, but he was a storm in the first half who took the game away from Alaves before they got in the game themselves. Karim Adeyemi: 6.5 Karim Adeyemi was the weak link in Barcelona’s attack on Saturday night as he failed to bring the cutting edge in the final third that the manager expected of him. Returning to the starting XI ahead of Anthony Gordon, the winger was a menace for the Alaves defence with his pace and dribbles but was virtually nonexistent in front of goal. On another day, he could well have had a brace to his name but his finishing on the night was unfortunately way off the mark. Raphinha: 9 Back with a brace. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) The captain was back on the scoresheet once more as he opened the scoring with a lethal finish as early as the sixth minute of the game. Completed his brace with a great finish off a second Fermin Lopez assist, although the second goal required very cool finishing. The player still did not seem to be at 100% physically and was taken off early in the second half, but his impact in front of goal was crucial when he was on the pitch. It is safe to say that a fully fit Raphinha may still be the best player on the planet. Lamine Yamal: 9 The winger did not seem to be at his best physically or mentally as he appeared subdued and relatively disconnected from the rest of the team. Yet, Lamine being Lamine, he scored a stunning goal at the end of the first half with a volley into the bottom corner, and even completed a brace with a good finish off Gabriel Jesus’ assist. In addition to his two goals, he assisted Fermin Lopez’s goal on the night and thus completed a great night in terms of his numbers. Yet, visibly there was something off about the player’s energy. Marc Bernal: 7 Came on for Pedri after the break and delivered a solid performance without any mistakes in possession or his defensive decision-making.  Anthony Gordon: 7.5 Came on for Lamine Yamal and brought fresh energy to the field on the right flank. Scored with a calm finish to make it 6-0 to Barcelona.