Barcelona 5-1 Villarreal: Player Ratings

Barcelona

Digne put in a good performance

Jasper Cillesen: 7/10

The Dutch International was a standout performer in goal last night. He pulled off a few brilliant saves from range in the first half apart from a number of routine saves. He could have done nothing about the goal.

Nelson Semedo: 7/10

Nelson Semedo gave a solid performance on the right-hand side of Barca's defence. Though he was not as extravagant has his side's other full-back, he did manage to pop up in space, time and again on Barca's right flank.

Thomas Vermaelen: 8/10

The center-back marked his return to the side with a solid performance. He was solid in defence and dealt well with a very pacey Carlos Bacca. He should be very happy with his performance along with the Blaugrana faithful.

Gerard Pique: 7/10

The Spanish international was the quieter of the two imposing centre backs that Barcelona has. However, that doesn't mean he had a quiet night as he was still very aware of the dangers that were lurking and took care of them with aplomb.

Lucas Digne: 7.5/10

He did fairly well against Samu and defended well in general, except a few odd counter-attacks here and there. Offensively, he provided some amazing crosses, one of which was turned in the goal by Paulinho.

Sergio Busquets: 7/10

The Spanish International was influential throughout the game. He broke play and started attacks from his own half. This was a good commanding display from him in the middle of the park.

Paulinho: 7.5/10

Written off and ridiculed, this Brazil International certainly knows how to shush his critics. He had a great part to play in Barca's first and second and was almost always a threat in attack as he broke up Villarreal's midfield lines with ease.

Philippe Coutinho: 6/10

Coutinho put in a decent performance against Villarreal; he helped out in defence and used the ball wisely. However, he was not much influential in attack apart from scoring Barcelona's first.

Ousmane Dembele: 9/10

Dembele seems to be growing in his role at Barcelona after an underwhelming start to the season. It was a great performance from the French international, who had an assist and a couple of goals to show.

Andres Iniesta: 8/10

Even at the age of 34, he is a class act. Once he came into his own, Barcelona took total control of the game. He glided through the park creating numerous opportunities for himself as well as his teammates. He assisted Messi's goal.

Barcelona v Villarreal - La Liga: Iniesta weaving his magic on the field.

Lionel Messi: 7/10

Lionel Messi scored Barcelona's third of the night after superb combination play with Iniesta and a very accurate finish. Elsewhere, he was always busy creating space for himself and his teammates.

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Substitutes

Ivan Rakitic: 7/10

He was brought on for Iniesta, who was taken off to a standing ovation. He continued his good work for the rest of the match and was quite solid in the middle of the park.

Luis Suarez: 5/10

He was brought on for Sergio Busquets with twenty minutes to go. However, he never really got into the game and was always a bit off the frequency on which his team-mates were operating.

Yerry Mina: N/A

The Colombian was a very late substitution. He did not have any time to affect the game. However, he did assist Dembele's second.