La Liga 2017/18: Real Sociedad 2-4 Barcelona, Player ratings

Barcelona

Luis Suarez was on the scoresheet yet again for Barcelona

Marc-Andre ter Stegen: 6.5/10

Had quite an amazing outing just, like his opposite number. Quick off his lines, it was he who stood firm and stopped Real Sociedad from pulling away in the first half itself. Pulled a couple of saves including a number of fantastic stops off Juanmi's shot in the first half.

Roberto: 8/10

The makeshift right-back was solid in defense and ever willing to join the attack whenever called upon. His passing was crisp and he made a few interesting runs on the right flank for Barcelona. However, physically, he struggled when up against William Jose.

Gerard Pique: 7.5/10

Pique had a good game as he dominated and won everything that came his way in the air. He won headers, made blocks and clearances and was a calm head in the heart of the Barca defense. He picked up a yellow card late in the game.

Thomas Vermaelen: 7/10

This was a good game by the standards he has set for himself with his performances this season. He made important tackles and interceptions but was also sucked out of position on quite a few occasions like La Real’s second goal. He assisted Suarez's second goal, albeit unknowingly.

Jordi Alba: 7.5/10

Jordi Alba produced a mixed performance. He did make a couple of penetrating runs in attack and provided quite a few fine deliveries. He, however, was guilty of giving too much space on his side which, unfortunately, was exploited as both the goals were built up on his side of the pitch.

Andre Gomes: 6/10

This was a decent game from the last season's summer signing. He did not do much of note but kept things tidy and defended well with the team when required of him.

Sergio Busquets: 7/10

The Spanish International was influential throughout the game. He broke plays and started attacks from his own half. This was a good commanding display from him in the middle of the park despite the fact that he did pass waywardly during important moments in the match.

Ivan Rakitic: 6.5/10

The Croat was a willing runner in the midfield. He covered for his fullbacks and then contributed going forward as well. He looks to be getting back to his best after a below-par start to this season.

Paulinho: 6.5/10

Paulinho was perhaps the worst Barcelona player on the pitch. Starting on the right-hand side of a four-man midfield, he did not see much of the ball, neither did he utilize the ball well when in possession. He did score Barcelona's first goal.

Luis Suarez: 8/10

The Uruguayan was a willing runner and pressed quite diligently. His runs and physicality were causing La Real’s defenders a lot of problems and took his two goals with aplomb and a level of precession we have been accustomed to.

Lionel Messi: 8.5/10

La Liga's top scorer of the season, Leo Messi was on fire today, especially in the second half. His fine finishing from outside of the box with a well-struck freekick wrapped up the proceedings for Barca. He assisted Luis Suarez’s first goal.

Substitutes

Ousmane Dembele: 6/10

The young winger was brought on for Paulinho after Barca had ceded midfield battle to La Real. His introduction allowed Barca to have that midfield superiority and control of the ball.

Lucas Digne: 5/10

He was a late introduction in place of Andre Gomes. Though not afforded much time, his introduction helped Barca defend better.

Denis Suarez: N/A

Very late substitution