Barcelona licked their wounds from a tough Clasico defeat by demolishing Villarreal 3-0 in La Liga on Thursday.
After a start to the season filled with hope, Xavi's project at Barcelona endured its first serious wobble over the last two weeks, following a draw with Inter that has all but dumped them out of the Champions League and a convincing defeat at the hands of Real Madrid.
But spectators weren't able to tell the Blaugrana's ego had been bruised against Villarreal. From the first whistle, they dominated possession and moved up the gears well. Chances were coming and they finally drew first blood after half an hour when who else than Robert Lewandowski finished off a brilliant sequence involving Pedri and Jordi Alba.
He only needed a few more minutes after the first went in to grab his second, picking up the ball on the edge of the box and curling it into the back of the net beautifully. Suddenly, Villarreal were in trouble. But before they could realise that, Xavi's side had put the game out of sight, with Ansu Fati making it 3-0; a third goal in seven minutes.
Game, set, match. Barcelona were in cruise control after the break, toying with their visitors who now stared down the barrel of the gun that condemned them to a fifth successive away defeat in La Liga, without scoring.
Camp Nou was in full voice, and understandably so considering the performance they were treated to. The cheer that De Jong received when making way for Sergio Busquets was telling of his evening, as Barcelona cruised to the final whistle without really breaking a sweat.
GettyThe Winners
Frenkie de Jong:
Thrown into the starting XI by Xavi, it would've been very easy for De Jong to crumble at the base of midfield, with Barcelona needing a win after a tough few weeks and all eyes on the Dutchman.
He thrived. Granted Villarreal didn't pose too much of a threat, De Jong deserves credit for getting the Camp Nou off their feet with a performance that looked like he hadn't missed a minute of action all season. He dictated the tempo, cut out counter attacks and allowed his two midfield colleagues to venture forward as a result.
A statement performance.
Pedri:
This kid has got it.
Gavi stole the headlines earlier in the week as he clinched the Kopa Trophy at the Ballon d'Or awards. And with just how good he is at 18 years old, it's easy to forget that Pedri is still only 19 himself. You wouldn't be able to tell from his performances, though, because he breaks through lines of defence and dominates midfield with a footballing brain that you'd expect to find between the ears of a seasoned veteran.
In a difficult time for Barcelona, they can always count on Pedri to serve as a beacon of hope.
Robert Lewandowski:
Benzema who?
Of course, we are joking. The Frenchman is instead too busy polishing his shiny new Ballon d'Or and wrapping up his wrist in golden tape. But in what has been a difficult week for Lewandowski, who ought to have won such a coveted prize himself, he responded perfectly and in the way a top striker should; by scoring goals.
AdvertisementGettyThe Losers
Joan Laporta:
No matter what line he towed throughout the summer with De Jong, it still remains abundantly clear that Laporta wanted rid of the Dutchman in order to raise funds for shiny new toys.
De Jong's performance from a starting berth tonight was the best possible way of quietly flipping the bird to the Barcelona president. He failed in shipping him out of the club and now has to deal with the fact that fans are desperate for him to start.
Sergio Busquets:
Tough night at the office for Busquets, who could well have a fight on his hands to reclaim his place at the base of midfield after De Jong's performance.
The veteran was introduced as De Jong's replacement to close out the game, but the opinion of the home crowd was clear; they want to see a changing of the guard. Busquets can still play a role for Barcelona, but the El Clasico defeat and the Dutchman's performance tonight proves that role must be a reduced one.
Pau Torres:
For a player continually linked with transfers to top clubs around Europe, Torres didn't exactly look like a player worthy of a transfer to said top clubs.
Of course it's not him making up those rumours, but naturally they raise expectations. The Spaniard has been talked up as one of the more exciting, modern defensive talents in the game over the last few years, but he didn't show it tonight. Beaten too easily, positionally poor and didn't lead for his side.
GettyBarcelona ratings: Defence
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen (6/10): The quietest he's been all season. Ter Stegen's gloves barely got dirty.
Sergi Roberto (7/10): Quietly key to Barcelona's good fortunes in attack. Stayed high and wide which stretched Villarreal's defence and gave Torres room to run at defenders.
Jules Kounde (6/10): Ventured forward well early on and could've had an assist from a teasing cross. Kept things organised at the back without ever being troubled all that much.
Marcos Alonso (6/10): A comfortable evening for the Spaniard, who wasn't tested all too often in an unnatural position.
Jordi Alba (7/10): Far too much for the visitors to handle. Allowed Fati to venture inside and cause problems in the penalty area, but also added plenty of thrust himself with neat passing, dummy runs and crosses.
GettyMidfield
Frenkie de Jong (8/10): Read Villarreal's counter attacks supremely well and recycled possession effectively. Gave a very strong account of himself having been afforded a rare start; a shame to see him taken off after 70 minutes.
Gavi (7/10): Did well to hold the ball and find Lewandowski to assist the second goal of the night. Not quite as refined as his colleague Pedri, but most certainly a diamond in the rough. An all-action performance that demonstrated vision, passion and physicality.
Pedri (8/10): Made the opening goal happen with a truly delightful, line-splitting pass to Alba. Frightening vision and equally frightening technique to execute it. Constantly looking to get on the ball and find angles. Sublime.