Athletic Bilbao 2-3 Barcelona: Player Ratings as Lionel Messi brace propels Blaugrana into top four | La Liga 2020-21

Barcelona Player Ratings

Barcelona were excellent in the final third

Marc-Andre ter Stegen - /10

Marc-Andre ter Stegen was visibly shocked by Barcelona's start to the game but did not have much to do for the rest of the game. The German goalkeeper was faultless for Iker Muniain's late strike and was unfortunate to concede two goals.

Ronald Araujo - 7/10

Ronald Araujo was Barcelona's most reliable defender on the night and chipped in with several important interceptions to deny the likes of Inaki Williams a clear sight at goal. The Uruguayan centre-back was a commanding presence and continues to move up the pecking order at Barcelona.

Clement Lenglet - 5/10

Clement Lenglet displayed a shocking lack of pace in the build-up to Athletic Bilbao's opening goal and his half-hearted attempt to win the ball will not have won him many fans. The Frenchman was picked up a needless yellow card and is now suspended for Barcelona's next game.

Equipo +3 🤜🤛 pic.twitter.com/WsHD6qtwJ3

— Antoine Griezmann (@AntoGriezmann) January 6, 2021

Jordi Alba - 6/10

Jordi Alba was a reliable presence on the left flank for Barcelona but was unusually reserved with his forward runs on the night. The left-back did track back to good effect against Athletic Bilbao and will be fairly happy with his performance.

Sergino Dest - 6/10

Sergino Dest was caught high up the pitch for Inaki Williams' goal but was a bright presence in the final third. The American teenager did have a few shaky moments but has age on his side and can potentially become Barcelona's first-choice right-back for the remainder of the decade.

Sergio Busquets - 5.5/10

Sergio Busquets was partly at fault for Barcelona's shocking start to the game and gave the ball away in dangerous areas in the first half. The Barcelona veteran improved as the game progressed but will need to return to his best as the Catalans approach the business end of the season.

Frenkie de Jong - 7.5/10

Frenkie de Jong seems well on his way to becoming a fixture in Barcelona's midfield and had yet another positive outing against Athletic Bilbao. The Dutch midfielder chipped picked up an excellent assist for Pedri's goal and also set Lionel Messi up on several occasions.

1 - Aged 18 years and 42 days, @FCBarcelona's Pedri González 🇪🇸 has become the youngest player to both score and assist in a @LaLigaEN game at new San Mamés. Baptism. pic.twitter.com/jkkIK8sFwZ

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) January 6, 2021

Pedri - 8.5/10

Pedri has been Barcelona's brightest spark this season and proved his mettle yet again on the night. The 18-year-old-prodigy scored Barcelona's equaliser with a well-directed header before wrong-footing Athletic Bilbao's defensive line with an exquisite backheel to pick up an assist for Lionel Messi's first goal.

Ousmane Dembele - 7.5/10

Ousmane Dembele had a good game for Barcelona and was a dangerous presence on the right flank. The Frenchman eviscerated Athletic Bilbao with his sheer pace and was unfortunate not to bag a goal or an assist.

Antoine Griezmann - 7/10

Antoine Griezmann was the least involved of Barcelona's front three but did enjoy a few bright moments throughout the game. The French striker had a powerful volley saved by Unai Simon before turning provider and producing an excellent low cross for Barcelona's third goal of the game.

Lionel Messi - 8/10

Lionel Messi may have given the ball away to gift Athletic Bilbao their second goal, but his uncharacteristic error will not hide the fact that the Argentine seems to have rediscovered his confidence. With two well-taken goals and two shots that crashed into the post, Lionel Messi made a statement to the rest of the league and seems intent on proving a point this season.

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Substitutes

Barcelona made only two substitutions tonight

Martin Braithwaite - 6/10

Martin Braithwaite was introduced as a late substitute for Ousmane Dembele and did not have enough time on the pitch to make an impact.

Oscar Mingueza - 6/10

Oscar Mingueza was brought on towards the end of the game as Ronald Koeman opted for a three-man defence in the second half.

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