Player Ratings: Barcelona 3-0 Valencia

Sunday, March 14, 2010

BARCELONA

Victor Valdes – 7.0: Had to look spritely to keep Valencia at bay in the first half, and stayed big to deny Zigic at a crucial stage of the second half when Barcelona were only a goal in front.

Daniel Alves – 7.0: His standard attacking display, bombing forward whenever possible and simply fed Messi, allowing him to do what he does best.

Gerard Pique – 6.5: Dealt comfortably with the threat of Dominguez, but let Zigic breach the offside trap and was fortunate to see him strike his effort straight at Valdes.

Gabriel Milito – 7.0: In for Carlos Puyol, who was rested and did little wrong against a dangerous Valencia front quartet, making a few vital interceptions.

Maxwell – 6.5: Given a difficult time by Pablo Hernandez and Miguel in the first half, but looked more assured in the second period as Barcelona gained control.

Sergio Busquets – 7.0: Given the start in the holding midfield role, and got better as the match went on, after a difficult first half when Valencia looked to be dangerous.

Xavi – 7.0: Pulled the strings from midfield as usual, linking well and driving the team forward in the second half when the match was finely poised.

Andres Iniesta – 7.0: Back in the midfield trio with Xavi, and looked more comfortable back orchestrating proceeding next to his long-time teammate.

Bojan – 5.0: Given the nod on the left-hand side ahead of Thierry Henry, but did little to justify his selection, and it was no surprise to see him withdrawn at half time.

Lionel Messi – 9.5: On this performance, the greatest player in the World, without question. His hat-trick encapsulated everything wonderful about his game, and took his side from 0-0 to a comfortable three points with three majestic finishes.

Pedro – 6.5: Did not have one of his most productive evenings, and his distribution from the right flank was not of his usual high standards.

Subs

Thierry Henry - 7.5: Arrived at half-time and changed the match, offering Messi two assists.

Jeffren - 5.0: Came on late.

Yaya Toure: 5.0: Replaced Messi in injury time.

VALENCIA


Cesar – 7.0: Handed the gloves and did not let his side down, saving wonderfully from Messi in the first half, and was helpless to stop the Argentine running riot in the second.

Miguel – 7.0: Offered an attacking outlet on the right, skipping past Hernandez and providing dangerous deliveries into the area, as well as subduing Bojan at the other end of the pitch.

Dealbert – 6.0: Did little to offer peace of mind to his goalkeeper by surrendering possession on more than one occasion, and was powerless to stop Messi scoring freely.

Hedwiges Maduro – 5.5: Perhaps fortunate not to see red for a wild lunge at the ankles of Thierry Henry, but otherwise had a fairly solid match in the centre of defence.
Bruno – 6.0: Faced with challenge of restraining Pedro but stuck to his task manfully and gave the winger little breathing space to create opportunities.

Ever Banega – 7.5: The Argentine is a different player this season; vibrant, skilful, and with an incredible engine, and did little wrong in the match, despite the result.

David Albelda – 6.5: The experienced defensive midfielder was holding his own against Xavi and Iniesta before injury curtailed his afternoon before half-time.

Jordi Alba – 6.5: Was excellent in the first half, causing Alves no end of problems, but as Barcelona exerted their influence on the match, Alba disappeared from the match.

David Silva – 7.0: Was excellent in the first half, rarely squandering possession and was inventive, but faded as the match progressed.

Pablo Hernandez – 6.0: Enjoying a run in the side ahead of Joaquin on the Valencia right, and enjoyed a decent first half before becoming a bystander to Messi's wonderful goals.

Alejandro Dominguez – 6.0: Given a rare start but still looks to be off the pace since his January move, and was replaced by Zigic before the hour mark.

Subs

Nikola Zigic - 5.5: Missed a guilt-edged chance with the score at 1-0.

Manuel Fernandes - 5.5: Replaced Albelda before half-time but was given a torrid second half.

Ruben Baraja: 5.0: Replaced the injured Bruno.

0 komentar:

Post a Comment