Barcelona 4-1 Huesca Player Ratings — The Lionel Messi show

Barcelona put on a great display at the Camp Nou as they dispatched Huesca 4-1. This win meant Barcelona continued their streak of not losing in the league since December, and they remain the only unbeaten team in Europe’s top five leagues in 2021. Things are picking up for the Blaugrana, and consistency remains key for their title run.

After crashing out of the Champions League last week, the club will do all they can to win La Liga. League leaders Atlético Madrid continue to drop points week after week while Barça continue to put pressure on them with their wins. 

The squad performed admirably against Huesca, but the scoreline did not do the visitors justice. Huesca had lots of opportunities, and Barcelona were lucky not to concede more than once. Furthermore, the team seemed to be in a lull late in the second half as they took their foot off the gas. Regardless, their attack was firing on all cylinders as they scored some stunning goals, enough to give them a crucial victory. 

Marc-André Ter-Stegen: 6

Ter-Stegen was unlucky to give away an early penalty to Rafa Mir, but he had an otherwise solid performance. As usual, he could be counted upon to make last ditch saves against a Huesca side that had their fair share of chances. 

Oscar Mingueza: 8

Oscar Mingueza put on a great show as he scored his first-ever Barça goal. He is proving to be a threat from aerial positions, which will add a much-needed dimension to the team’s attack. Like Lenglet, he was not tested too much defensively, but his raw tackling and pace were put on display yet again.

Frenkie De Jong: 9

Frenkie De Jong played his second consecutive game as a “libero” in a back-three, and he excelled. He was composed on the ball, sharp with his passes, and established stability in the back. The Dutchman’s positioning as a centre back prevented him from wreaking havoc with his typical ball carries and progressive runs, but he showed a different side to his game today, one that dominated through metronomic passing. In fact, he completed 85/86 passes. Nevertheless, he did manage to get on the end of a Jordi Alba cross and was inches away from scoring a goal.

Clement Lenglet: 7

After hitting new lows over the last few months, Lenglet continues his steady rise back into form. Playing the majority of the game as a left centre back in a back-three, he made promising entries into the final third with penetrative passes and ball-carries. He was solid defensively but got caught out of position on various occasions. 

Sergiño Dest: 6.5

Dest played as a right-wingback against Huesca, a role that he has excelled in over the past few matches. Nonetheless, his performance was fairly standard. He had a shot on goal early in the first half, but that was about it for his offensive contributions. Defensively, he was caught out of position at times and was sloppy. He will look to return to form against more expansive opposition that allows him to have more space to dribble and attack.

Sergio Busquets: 7

Busquets, who seems to be in the midst of a renaissance, put on yet another understated performance. He was effective in winning duels, he distributed passes with ease and composure, and his influence was felt all throughout the pitch. He has performed brilliantly in the 3-5-2 and 3-4-3 formations and is reminding cúles why he is such a crucial player to the team.

Pedri: 7

The 18-year old gave another excellent performance as he proved why he deserved to be called up to the Spanish National team. His passing was sharp, his defensive work rate was immense, and he continued to grow his telepathic connection with Messi. He continues to justify anything Barcelona will pay for him.

Jordi Alba: 7

Jordi Alba continues to be one of Barcelona’s best performers this season. He had a shot that hit the crossbar, and he also created a wonderful chance for de Jong. Defensively, he tracked back well but was also caught out of position whenever Huesca were on counter-attacks.

Lionel Messi: 9

What else is there to say about Lionel Messi? He tied Xavi Hernandez for most appearances for Barcelona (767) and had a fantastic game. His first goal came out of nowhere as he made a quick turn and placed the ball into the top left corner. He was fouled throughout the game, but he never stopped attacking and creating scoring opportunities. Early in the second half, he assisted Oscar Mingueza’s header with a cross into the box, and in the dying minutes of the game, he finessed a shot into the bottom left corner. Another day in the life of Leo Messi.

Antoine Griezmann: 7

Griezmann put in a great performance that saw his defensive work rate matched by a stunning goal. In the 34th minute, he spearheaded an attack and skyrocketed the shot into the top left corner, almost identical to Messi’s goal earlier in the half. Cúles want to see the Frenchman get back to his goalscoring ways, and hopefully, this performance can kickstart that.

Ousmane Dembele: 4

Dembélé had a fairly quiet game, playing as a centre forward whose job was to make runs behind the defence and create space for his teammates. Huesca’s low block meant he was consistently surrounded by multiple defenders, but he made a few promising runs.

Substitutes:

Ronald Araújo: 6.5

Araújo was brought on in the 62nd minute for De Jong after battling some injuries over the last few weeks. He was not tested too much defensively but it was promising to see him back on the pitch.

Riqui Puig: 6.5

Puig played less than ten minutes but he had an immediate impact on the game. His passes were quick and decisive, and his ability to beat Huesca’s press eventually led to Messi’s final goal.

Francisco Trincao: 5.5

Trincao played the final 30 minutes of the match but was sub-standard. He was sloppy and lost the ball outside the box that could have resulted in a goal for Huesca, but his movement also gave Messi the space to score his last goal.

Ilaix Moriba: N/A

Martin Braithwaite: N/A