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Barcelona player ratings vs Espanyol: Messi delivers a masterclass

By Atharva Khadilkar

FC Barcelona forward Lionel Messi (10) with his teammates of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring the goal during the match RCD Espanyol against FC Barcelona, for the round 15 of the Liga Santander, played at RCD Espanyol Stadium on 8th December 2018 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
FC Barcelona forward Lionel Messi (10) with his teammates of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring the goal during the match RCD Espanyol against FC Barcelona, for the round 15 of the Liga Santander, played at RCD Espanyol Stadium on 8th December 2018 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /
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CORNELLA, SPAIN – DECEMBER 8: coach Ernesto Valverde of FC Barcelona during the La Liga Santander match between Espanyol v FC Barcelona at the RCDE Stadium on December 8, 2018 in Cornella Spain (Photo by Jeroen Meuwsen/Soccrates/Getty Images)
CORNELLA, SPAIN – DECEMBER 8: coach Ernesto Valverde of FC Barcelona during the La Liga Santander match between Espanyol v FC Barcelona at the RCDE Stadium on December 8, 2018 in Cornella Spain (Photo by Jeroen Meuwsen/Soccrates/Getty Images) /

Midfielder- Denis Suarez- Not Available

Denis Suarez came on in the final ten minutes of the match as he hoped to capitalize on his goal from midweek and add a fifth for his side. However, he was not too involved in the match and only exchanged a handful of passes at the back. He deserves more chances, but this appearance was certainly a very short one to rate.

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Forward- Philippe Coutinho- 6/10

Philippe Coutinho replaced Ousmane Dembele with twenty minutes on the clock still to be cut down. The Brazilian winger was once again missing from the goals and struggled to get into the act against his former recruits. Coutinho is unlikely to start against Tottenham in the Champions League given Dembele’s form, but he still may make the cut.

Forward- Munir El Haddadi- 5/10

Munir came on a substitute to make a like for like replacement to Luis Suarez. He quickly settled into the game, but missed not one but two chances which were virtually easy to be buried. With displays like these, it is clear that he has bleak chances of getting more minutes. Munir will definitely not play in the UEFA Champions League clash on Tuesday.

Next. 5 things learned from Barcelona's thumping win over Espanyol. dark

Manager- Ernesto Valverde- 8/10

Ernesto Valverde did a good job from the dugout. Even in the starting eleven, not risking Arthur Melo was a great call as was giving Luis Suarez ten minutes of rest before the final whistle. The former Athletic Bilbao manager will now turn his attention to Spurs, who will surely come with their spirits high knowing that a win would send them through to the last 16.

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