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Barcelona player ratings vs Villarreal: Messi wasn’t at his best

By Atharva Khadilkar

03 Gerard Pique of FC Barcelona celebrating his goal with his team during the Spanish championship La Liga football match between FC Barcelona and Villareal CF on December 02, 2018 at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Xavier Bonilla/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
03 Gerard Pique of FC Barcelona celebrating his goal with his team during the Spanish championship La Liga football match between FC Barcelona and Villareal CF on December 02, 2018 at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Xavier Bonilla/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /
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BARCELONA, – DECEMBER 02: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona with the ball during to the La Liga game between FC Barcelona and Villarreal CF on December 02, 2018, at Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Carlos Sanchez Martinez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
BARCELONA, – DECEMBER 02: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona with the ball during to the La Liga game between FC Barcelona and Villarreal CF on December 02, 2018, at Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Carlos Sanchez Martinez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Left Winger- Philippe Coutinho- 7.5/10

Philippe Coutinho’s steady return from his injury continued with another game against Villarreal. The Brazil international has not endured a good run of form, particularly since returning from an absence through fitness issues. Coutinho put in a decent performance against the Yellow Submarine. He was present and visible on the left wing and also participated in the creation of plays and chances. However, whenever he went for goal, the shots were off target and easily dealt with, nor could Coutinho cut in like he usually does.

Striker- Lionel Messi- 7.5/10

Lionel Messi gave an assist which was nothing short of superb, but his overall performance was nowhere close to his usual best. The 31-year-old played a fairly good game against the Yellow Submarine but he was holding the ball for longer than usual and on most instances, he clattered into some players thereby earning free-kicks. But from his standard, it was not a performance to be proud of and the central defenders, Alvaro Gonzalez and Victor Ruiz, dealt with him well.

Right Winger- Ousmane Dembele- 8.5/10

Ousmane Dembele was not among the goals but he did set up Gerard Pique’s opener with a brilliant cross with his weaker foot. The France international played an amazing game and gave a lot of troubles to Villarreal’s left fullback Alfonso Pedraza. His burst of pace, dribbling and ball control allowed Dembele to have a superb game. His link-up play with Nelson Semedo was another outstanding characteristic that ensured a magnificent display against Villarreal, who he has a good record against.

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