Barcelona player ratings vs Rayo Vallecano: 1.5 for Coutinho, 6 or lower for 8 starters

Another matchday, another loss for FC Barcelona.

Ronald Koeman marched his troops into battle against Rayo Vallecano, hoping to leapfrog them in the table. Alas, it was not meant to be as a solitary goal divided the sides after 90 minutes, coming in the first half from none other than Radamel Falcao.

The following 45 saw Barcelona scrape through chances but looking toothless whenever given a chance to go on the front foot. Barça Universal runs the rule over the garnet and blue while their arch-rivals Real Madrid look set to go to the top of the table tonight.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen: 5

Ter Stegen has been largely criticised for his conspicuous drop in form over the past few years. On Wednesday once again, the German gave his critics more reasons to attack him.

Barcelona have conceded from their first shot innumerable times this season. Ter Stegen has seldom seemed close to saving any of the goals. Moreover, the German’s distribution was far from perfect on the night. He uncharacteristically gave the ball straight to the opposition on a couple of occasions.

Sergi Roberto: 6

The Barcelona captain has been in the news for news regarding his contract renewal for the past week. The Spaniard started the game as the right-back and put in a good defensive shift. He did not have too much to do in the final third. Roberto did not have a flashy performance, but neither was it one that warranted criticism.

Gerard Pique: 6

Gerard Pique did not have a hectic night but once again was helpless for the goal conceded. Despite tracking back, he could not cover enough ground to challenge Falcao for the ball. Pique was vital in the buildup but once again put up a mixed effort defensively.

Eric Garcia: 6.5

Eric Garcia was the better of the centre-backs on the night. The youngster put in three tackles, one clearance and a blocked shot in addition to his splendid distribution. However, he, too, had his moments of madness and was caught out of position on a couple of occasions.

Jordi Alba: 6

Alba’s display against Rayo Vallecano was an upgrade over his Clasico showing. However, the Spaniard continued to struggle to find the final cross into the box. Nevertheless, he did create a big chance and provided two key passes.

Sergio Busquets: 6

The Barcelona captain was directly responsible for Falcao’s goal in the first half. Busquets was robbed of the ball just outside the Catalans’ area before the opponents threaded a wonderful ball to the Colombian.

Apart from that, Busquets once again delivered a great show in midfield. The stark difference in class was visible with his touches and feints time and time again. A good game with a dark spot.

Nico Gonzalez: 8.5

The young La Masia midfielder was Barcelona’s best player on the night. His impeccable tackles, ability to fall in between lines and clear understanding of the game helped him boss the midfield on the night. The youngster who was publicly criticised by his manager the last time he started a game delivered a performance that any midfielder would be proud of.

Phillipe Coutinho: 1.5

If one wondered if days could get successively worse endlessly, Phillipe Coutinho would be the ideal example to quote. The Brazilian was involved in the play extensively but did nothing productive.

Coutinho takes thrice as much time to do what most attacking midfielders do within a few passes. Moreover, he lost the ball 15 times, which would not seem as bad, but most of them came through moments of delayed passes and unnecessary flash.

Sergino Dest: 6

If Sergino Dest was trying to forget his dreadful miss against Real Madrid a few days ago, it did not go well for the American. The USMNT player missed an arguably easier chance in an identical fashion against Rayo Vallecano tonight. Nevertheless, he was once again brilliant on the wing as he conjured four critical passes on the night with a big chance created.

Memphis Depay: 6.5

Easily the biggest chance of the night, where the score could be levelled, Memphis Depay stepped up to take a penalty he had won, but to no avail. The keeper dived to his right, saving his spot-kick comfortably.

The Dutchman will kick himself for missing out on the golden opportunity. Though the penalty will be the biggest takeaway regarding Depay, one must not forget that he was one of the most decisive players for Barcelona in the final third once again.

Sergio Aguero: 6

Aguero started his first game for Barcelona on the night. He came into the game high on confidence after scoring a late goal in the Clasico. Though he put up a good display as a striker, linking up well with Nico and Dest, he could not bury the few opportunities he had. Aguero’s runs into the box led to so many of Barcelona’s chances on the night.

SUBSTITUTES

Yusuf Demir: 2

The young Austrian’s name faded away in Catalonia after a bright start to the season. He was finally given another chance against Rayo and played for half an hour. However, he did not add any value to Barcelona’s game, and in fact, slowed down the attack.

Gavi: 5

The youngster did not start but came on in the 74th minute for Coutinho. He missed one big chance but was more proactive and helpful in the buildup compared to his Brazilian counterpart.

Luuk de Jong: 0

It’s becoming increasingly challenging to rate Luuk de Jong’s performance on a scale of 0-10. Two touches in fifteen minutes, one of which went deep into the stands. Back to back nils for the Dutchman.