Garcia Red Card: Barcelona Player Ratings, Monaco Game
Barcelona's pre-season tour of the United States came to an abrupt end with a controversial red card for Alejandro García, leading to a 1-1 draw against AS Monaco. While the result was a mixed bag, the game offered insights into the evolving Barcelona squad under Xavi Hernandez.
Here’s a breakdown of the Barcelona player ratings:
Starting XI:
Ter Stegen (7/10): Started the game confidently, making several crucial saves, including a brilliant stop on a penalty kick. His presence between the sticks provided stability and reassurance.
Koundé (7/10): Solid performance at right-back, demonstrating his versatility and defensive prowess. His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively makes him a valuable asset to the team.
Araujo (7/10): Led the backline with his usual composure and strength. His aerial presence and ability to read the game were crucial in keeping Monaco at bay.
Christensen (6.5/10): A decent performance, though he might have struggled at times against the physicality of Monaco's attack.
Balde (6.5/10): Energetic and provided some exciting moments going forward, but his defensive positioning needs further refinement.
Gavi (7/10): An influential figure in midfield, Gavi displayed his trademark tenacity and creative passing.
De Jong (7.5/10): The Dutch midfielder controlled the tempo of the game, exhibiting his trademark calmness and passing range. He orchestrated Barcelona’s build-up play and played a key role in the equalizing goal.
Pedri (7/10): Returned to the field after injury and showed glimpses of his brilliance, creating chances and showing his intricate ball control. He will be a crucial player for Barcelona in the coming season.
Raphinha (6.5/10): The Brazilian winger provided width and threat on the right flank, but his final touch could have been better.
Dembélé (7/10): Demonstrated his speed and dribbling ability, creating several dangerous situations. His pace posed a constant threat to the Monaco defense.
Lewandowski (7/10): Showed his class with a well-taken goal, and his movement and link-up play were instrumental in creating chances for Barcelona.
Substitutes:
Garcia (5/10): Came on as a substitute but received a straight red card for a dangerous tackle. This incident overshadowed his performance.
Fati (6/10): Showed flashes of his potential, demonstrating good movement and a willingness to take on defenders.
Kessie (6/10): Brought energy and physicality into the midfield.
Conclusion:
Barcelona's pre-season tour concluded on a sour note with the red card to García. The team displayed flashes of their potential, particularly in the first half. However, they will need to improve defensively and manage their emotions to achieve greater success in the upcoming season.
