Player ratings from Mallorca 0-1 Barcelona: 8.5 for match-winner Luuk, seven players get 7.5 or more

Barcelona were almost set up to fail as they headed into the first game of the new year to face Mallorca. With 15 players missing, the task was rather challenging, but the pressure on Xavi was mounting. After all, Real Betis, Real Madrid, Rayo Vallecano, and Real Sociedad all dropped points yesterday, and this was Barça’s chance to get closer to the podium.

After a chaotic 90 minutes of excellent defending, difficult chances, and relentless pressure, Barcelona came out on top as the victors courtesy of an early goal from Luuk de Jong. Far from an ideal display, but given the circumstances, three points will do just fine. But how did the players fare individually from this game? Let’s find out.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen: 8.5

Starting with four centre-backs really paid off for Xavi yesterday as ter Stegen was not given an awful lot to do. However, he was called into action late into the game as Jaume Costa was able to connect to a threatening cross in the box. A watch-winning save if there ever was one; hopefully enough to give him confidence.

Oscar Mingueza: 8.5

A massive night for Mingueza, who finally came through with an exceptional performance after weeks of underwhelming displays. The Spaniard was exceptional offensively, keeping the right-flank alive. He created three chances, including the match-winner.

Gerard Pique: 9.5

Donning the captain’s armband on the night, Pique was head and shoulders above any player on the pitch. He was proactive and sniffed out a lot of threats from Mallorca in the middle third. A bit deeper, the Spaniard commanded the backline with ease, making sure everyone was on their toes at all times.

Gerard Piqué vs Mallorca:

– 90 touches
– 67 passes
– 4 ground duels won
– 10 long balls completed
– 7 aerial duels won
– 5 clearances
– 4 blocked shots
– 1 Interception

Imperial. pic.twitter.com/agfjXXz8fS

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) January 2, 2022

This resulted in some superb numbers for and from him. Five clearances, four shots blocked, two interceptions, zero fouls, 4/4 ground duels won, and 7/9 aerial duels won are just the start of it. He also came through with exceptional technique with the ball, completing 10/14 of his long passes and winning three free-kicks.

Eric Garcia: 7.5

It was a mixed game for Eric Garcia, who showed some deplorable decision making in the first half. He often drove up with the ball to no return, and was forced to make silly challenges. Came clutch in the second half, however, especially with a superb clearance late in the game.

Ronald Araujo: 8

Two years ago, it was becoming difficult to even imagine Araujo as one of Barcelona’s centre-backs due to his less-than-ideal command of the ball. Now he’s starting as the left-back, dictating games from the wing. The Uruguayan made two key passes, including a big chance for Luuk de Jong. He was solid as ever at the back, despite switching flanks later.

Nico Gonzalez: 7

There was not a lot to take away from Nico’s performance yesternight. He kept hold of the ball in tight situations and was able to control the tempo of the game. We’ve come to expect more.

Frenkie de Jong: 7

Another player that divided the opinion of the fanbase with his performance. On the one hand, de Jong’s ability to carry the ball through any midfield is a gift to Barcelona and should be utilised. On the other, in games like yesterday’s, it often leaves the backline without a screen during turnovers.

While not a mammoth defensively, he was crucial in the middle third with his pressing. Won multiple duels and was responsible for the set-pieces yesterday, through which he created one chance.

Riqui Puig: 7.5

For the first time in Puig’s (admittedly short-lived) career, you could see some drastic changes. He did not gravitate towards the ball all the time and helped open spaces with his movement.

Further, the 22-year-old did not constantly look to shoot up the pace of the game as he is accustomed to. Gave away possession cheaply a few times, but his relentless pressing made up for that on almost all occasions. Sign of better things to come.

Ilias Akhomach: 6.5

Ilias was only playing his second-ever game for Barcelona, and it was one of several highs and lows. He created a superb chance for Luuk in the first half, but his poor decision making in the final third left a lot to be desired.

Luuk de Jong: 8.5

Minute four of the game as a pass from Ilias reaches Luuk in the box. The Dutchman takes the ball on his right, shuffles to his left and shoots. Throw-in to Mallorca. Nobody quite saw what was coming after that, though.

The Sevilla loanee came through with a brilliant performance on all fronts. His off-the-ball movement was spectacular, leading to the goal. He was also constantly involved in the build-up, dropping deep to swap positions with Puig. Hit the post twice, including from a thunderbolt of a bicycle kick.

Ferran Jutgla: 7

Jutgla started the game well, finding a way out of tight situations with neat footwork and passing. As the game wore on, though, he struggled to keep up with the tempo. Won set-pieces in multiple dangerous areas, though. Also made it clear that he is pretty comfortable on the ball, as opposed to what his displays at centre-forward showed.

SUBSTITUTES

Alvaro Sanz: 4

Sanz had 20 minutes to impress Xavi and co. but failed to adapt to the situation. Was caught out of position multiple times and did not show enough eagerness to provide the midfielders with a passing option.

Clement Lenglet: 5

Lenglet was tasked with defending the left flank with the clock reading 76′. He gave away two cheap fouls but found a superb pass that led to a counter-attack.

Estanis Pedrola: N/A

We could not see Estanis’ brilliance in action yesterday as his primary job consisted of providing a long-passing outlet. Hopefully next week, though.