La Liga 2017/18; Athletic Club 0-2 Barcelona: Player Ratings

Modified Oct 29, 2017 04:37 GMT

Barcelona

Marc-Andre ter Stegen - 8/10

Ter Stegen made two brilliant saves in either half to protect Barcelona's lead. His stop from Aduriz in the first period was particularly impressive.

Sergi Roberto - 6/10

Roberto still does not look completely comfortable at right-back, and it showed at times here. Having said that, he used the ball well and played some good passes.

Gerard Pique - 6/10

Pique has not enjoyed the best start to the campaign and he was again caught out at times here. The centre-back did not seem to relish the physical duel with Aduriz and Garcia.

Samuel Umtiti - 8/10

Umtiti, on the other hand, turned in another terrific performance to further bolster his reputation. The Frenchman did the defensive dirty work but also played some superb passes.

Jordi Alba - 7/10

Alba's provision of speed and width was important in an attacking sense, but he had to a great deal more defending in the second half. Overall, he was solid at San Mames.

Sergio Busquets - 8/10

Busquets dropped between Pique and Umtiti to make a back three in possession, which gave Barcelona control in the first half. He was also important after the break, making some key interceptions.

Paulinho - 7/10

Paulinho made sure of the win late on and helped create a big chance for Messi in the first half. He has his critics, but the Brazilian continues to do a vital job for Barca.

Ivan Rakitic - 5/10

Rakitic struggled on Saturday, failing to make the right movements and being too wasteful on the ball. He currently looks a shadow of the player he can be.

Andre Gomes - 7/10

Deployed out wide, Gomes naturally moved infield when possible and generally did well. He has not been great since moving to Barcelona, but he did a decent job in this game.

Lionel Messi - 8/10

Messi actually started this match poorly, giving the ball away and missing a big opportunity. He soon made up for that, though, scoring the first and creating several chances in the second half.

Luis Suarez - 6/10

Suarez still does not look completely fit and was peripheral at times. He was profligate with a couple of chances and again looked sluggish for much of the encounter.

Substitutes:

Nelson Semedo - 7/10

Brought drive on the right when he was introduced and helped to give Athletic something to think about going the other way.

Edited by Aakanksh Sanketh