Barcelona Player Ratings: Crvena Zvezda, Kounde Shines
Barcelona continued their impressive Champions League campaign with a comfortable 2-1 victory over Crvena Zvezda at the Camp Nou. While the scoreline might suggest a closer encounter, the Blaugrana dominated possession and created numerous chances throughout the match.
One player who stood out for his exceptional performance was Jules Kounde, who was a rock at the back and even chipped in with a crucial goal. Let's delve deeper into the individual performances of the Barcelona players:
Barcelona Player Ratings
Jules Kounde (9/10): The French defender was simply outstanding. His defensive solidity was evident throughout the match, with countless interceptions and tackles to thwart the Serbian side's attacks. He also showcased his attacking prowess by calmly slotting home Barcelona's second goal. Kounde is proving to be a vital addition to the Blaugrana's backline.
Ter Stegen (7/10): The German goalkeeper was largely untroubled for most of the game. He made a few crucial saves to deny Crvena Zvezda any hope of a comeback and displayed his usual composure throughout the match.
Gavi (8/10): The young midfielder was a constant threat in the middle of the park. He controlled the tempo of the game, made intelligent passes, and created numerous scoring opportunities. His energy and enthusiasm were contagious and he was a key factor in Barcelona's dominance.
Pedri (7/10): The Spanish maestro controlled the midfield with his usual class. He was calm and composed on the ball, dictating the pace of the game and distributing the ball with precision. His ability to find space and create opportunities for his teammates was crucial in breaking down the Crvena Zvezda defense.
Dembele (7/10): The French winger was a constant menace down the right flank. His pace and trickery caused problems for the Serbian defenders, and he provided a dangerous outlet for Barcelona's attacks. He was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet, but his performance was still impressive.
Lewandowski (6/10): The Polish striker didn't find the back of the net, but he still played a crucial role in Barcelona's victory. He was a constant threat to the Crvena Zvezda defense, dropping deep to receive the ball and holding it up effectively. He also provided a clever assist for Kounde's goal.
Kessie (6/10): The Ivorian midfielder offered a strong presence in the midfield and contributed defensively. While he wasn't as influential as Gavi or Pedri, he provided a solid platform for the attacking players to thrive.
Balde (6/10): The young left-back impressed with his pace and attacking intent. He made several dangerous runs down the flank, causing problems for the Serbian defenders. He also contributed defensively, albeit with a few defensive lapses.
Sergi Roberto (6/10): The Spanish midfielder came on as a substitute and provided some valuable experience to the midfield. He helped to control the game and maintain possession in the latter stages of the match.
Ansu Fati (6/10): The Spanish forward came on as a substitute and provided a spark of energy in the final stages. He showed glimpses of his talent, but he didn't have enough time to make a significant impact on the game.
Frenkie de Jong (N/A): The Dutch midfielder came on as a substitute too late in the match to be rated.
Overall, Barcelona put in a dominant performance against Crvena Zvezda, with Jules Kounde shining brightly as the star performer. The Blaugrana continue their impressive Champions League campaign and are looking to make a serious run for the title.