Playing for 90
Fansided

Barcelona player ratings vs Atletico: Messi was nothing special

By Atharva Khadilkar

(Back L-R) Barcelona's German goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, Barcelona's French defender Samuel Umtiti, Barcelona's Portuguese defender Nelson Semedo, Barcelona's Spanish midfielder Sergio Busquets, Barcelona's Spanish defender Gerard Pique, Barcelona's Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal, (L-R) Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi, Barcelona's Spanish midfielder Sergi Roberto, Barcelona's Brazilian midfielder Arthur, Barcelona's Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez and Barcelona's Spanish defender Jordi Alba pose for a group picture ahead of the Spanish league football match between Club Atletico de Madrid and FC Barcelona at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid on November 24, 2018. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO / AFP) (Photo credit should read JAVIER SORIANO/AFP/Getty Images)
(Back L-R) Barcelona's German goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, Barcelona's French defender Samuel Umtiti, Barcelona's Portuguese defender Nelson Semedo, Barcelona's Spanish midfielder Sergio Busquets, Barcelona's Spanish defender Gerard Pique, Barcelona's Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal, (L-R) Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi, Barcelona's Spanish midfielder Sergi Roberto, Barcelona's Brazilian midfielder Arthur, Barcelona's Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez and Barcelona's Spanish defender Jordi Alba pose for a group picture ahead of the Spanish league football match between Club Atletico de Madrid and FC Barcelona at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid on November 24, 2018. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO / AFP) (Photo credit should read JAVIER SORIANO/AFP/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
Lionel Messi of Barcelona look during the week 13 of La Liga match between Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona at Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in Valencia, Spain on November 24, 2018. (Photo by Jose Breton/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Lionel Messi of Barcelona look during the week 13 of La Liga match between Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona at Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in Valencia, Spain on November 24, 2018. (Photo by Jose Breton/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /

Attacking Midfielder- Arturo Vidal- 7/10

Arturo Vidal was expected to play in the midfield, however, he was deployed in a slightly advanced and attacking role by Ernesto Valverde in what was a smart decision by the former Athletic Bilbao boss. The Chilean is the man to have in matches against physical oppositions likes Atletico Madrid. Vidal was decent and linked up well with Messi and Suarez. He also drifted a little bit to the left in the second half when Rafinha tried to attack from the midfield.

Right Forward- Lionel Messi- 7/10

Lionel Messi was man of the match in the eyes of many, but the Argentinian’s display against Atletico Madrid was nothing special. Messi dribbled past opponents on several occasions but always reached a point where he clattered into someone and gave away possession. The 31-year-old assisted Dembele’s goal but he should have done better given the magnitude of the match and expectation of him.

Left Forward- Luis Suarez- 6/10

Luis Suarez was not at his best against Atletico Madrid in spite of keeping hopes of extending his scoring record against Los Rojiblancos. The Uruguay international was kept at bay by Savic and Lucas Hernandez and sparingly looked dangerous in the 18 yard box. Suarez’s link up with Lionel Messi was also zeroed upon by the Atletico Madrid defenders and that was possibly a turning point in his performance. November has never been the best of months for Luis Suarez but he will be looking to make an impact when Barcelona visit PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday for the Champions League clash.

Home/FC Barcelona