Barcelona player ratings vs Girona: Only Pique and Messi deserve praise

FC Barcelona team during the match between FC Barcelona and Girona FC, corresponding to the week 5 of the Liga Santander, played at the Camp Nou, on 23th september 2018, in Barcelona, Spain. -- (Photo by Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
FC Barcelona team during the match between FC Barcelona and Girona FC, corresponding to the week 5 of the Liga Santander, played at the Camp Nou, on 23th september 2018, in Barcelona, Spain. -- (Photo by Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /
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BARCELONA, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 23: coach Ernesto Valverde of FC Barcelona during the La Liga Santander match between FC Barcelona v Girona at the Camp Nou on September 23, 2018 in Barcelona Spain (Photo by Jeroen Meuwsen/Soccrates/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 23: coach Ernesto Valverde of FC Barcelona during the La Liga Santander match between FC Barcelona v Girona at the Camp Nou on September 23, 2018 in Barcelona Spain (Photo by Jeroen Meuwsen/Soccrates/Getty Images) /

Defender- Samuel Umtiti- 6/10

The 25 year old was brought on to replace Ousmane Dembele and help his Barcelona side playing with a man down. Umtiti immediately chipped in at his preferred position at the center of defense. The Frenchman made a few vital blocks and tackles and also tried to include himself in the attacks as Barcelona looked to comeback. Things probably would have been different if Umtiti was starting.

Midfielder- Ivan Rakitic- 6/10

After looking like Rakitic was finally getting some long deserved rest, there was no respite for the Croatian by the end of the night. His introduction came when the hosts were down by a goal and needless to say, the former Sevilla midfielder had to slog in order to help his side to the three points which were on the cards until the final whistle. He passed the ball around well but did not play a significant role as Barcelona were attempting to breach Girona’s defense.

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Midfielder- Phillippe Coutinho- 6.5/10

Phillippe Coutinho’s introduction in the second half came in place of compatriot Arthur Melo. The Brazil international was at the heart of things as soon as he entered the pitch. He looked to have had a decent night when he looked to supply the forwards with the potential assists. He also tried to bend the ball inside from long range but never found the back of the net.

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Manager- Ernesto Valverde- 6/10

Valverde’s tactics were not up to the mark in the match. So many times it had been pointed out earlier as to how he could use the players at his disposal wisely but it was anything but. The former Athletic Bilbao manager refuses to tinker with the squad often, and when he does, he mismatches things from a tactical point of view.