Valencia player ratings: shame at Mestalla against Barça | OneFootball

Valencia endured a chastening afternoon at Mestalla as Barcelona exposed frailties across the pitch, with few home players emerging with credit.

Dimitrievski could have done more for the Barça goals, though he prevented several before the break and the woodwork helped. According to AS, Maffeo offered little on either side of half-time, while Arnau was overrun at centre-back then shifted to right-back without impact.

Diakhaby tried but nothing came off, suffered at the back and asked to be replaced around the hour. Pepelu was uncomfortable dropping between the centre-backs, did not improve after the break and went off 10 minutes into the second half. Jesús Vázquez struggled against Lamine Yamal, was exposed for the first goal and added little going forward, departing in minute 55.

Debutant Dieng started against the best midfield, looked lost yet worked tirelessly and, despite doing little, was among the better performers. Ugrinic touched the ball only once before the interval and his influence barely changed.

Javi Guerra threatened near Joan García’s area but lacked bite, then requested a change in the second half. Otorbi debuted on the right with bravery, though late choices let him down. Danjuma fashioned a couple before half-time, finished none, and frustration grew after the interval.

Gayà did not improve matters. Elliott debuted and tried to link play without support. Tárrega formed a back four and did not stand out, Iker Córdoba came on after Diakhaby went off injured and was aggressive, Sato made little impact, and Hugo Duro saw out the final minutes without a touch.

Source: AS

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”