Yamal 10, Torres 9 | Barcelona 4-1 Espanyol: Player Ratings | OneFootball

Barcelona and Espanyol took to the field for the Catalan derby on Saturday evening, but Hansi Flick had seemingly no focus on the game against Atletico Madrid midweek despite all the talk.

The manager handed both Pedri and Lamine Yamal starts despite their discomfort and overload of minutes, and ensured that a strong team was on the field at all times. 

Barcelona took an early two-goal lead, but Espanyol pulled one back after the break to put the pressure on the hosts once more. Flick’s men pushed hard for a third, and in the end, got two late goals to inflict a massive result in La Liga.

Barça Universal brings you the player ratings from Barcelona 4-1 Espanyol.

Joan Garcia: 7.5

The goalkeeper did not have a busy night against his former club unlike the last time he faced off against them in La Liga, and was good with routine saves and distribution. 

Nothing he could have done to deny Espanyol’s goal in the second-half.

Alejandro Balde: 7

Balde was handed a start after a long time and did decently well on the left flank both offensively and defensively. His attacking output, however, was nowhere close to Joao Cancelo’s as the Portuguese star has seemingly replaced him as the top option.

Did well to combine with Gavi and Pedri and led the charge on many counter-attacking opportunities.

Gerard Martin: 7.5

Martin dished out a clean performance against Espanyol barring the time late in the first-half when he had an injury scare. 

Moved the ball well from side to side and even occasionally attempted the ambitious vertical through-ball. Left the field after the break, seemingly with the same setback.

Pau Cubarsi: 8

Suspended for the UEFA Champions League game midweek, Cubarsi was one of the guaranteed starters on Saturday night and did well to lead the line at the back.

Maintained the offside trap to good effect, was clean with his distribution, and did not show any signs of being disturbed by his blunder midweek.

Ronald Araujo: 7

Araujo started at right-back and did well defensively, although it was clear that he was the weak link in terms of distribution and the buildup. Was occasionally caught under pressure by the Espanyol press but did well to wriggle out.

Offensively, however, his output was highly limited and he barely connected with Lamine Yamal in the final third as a right-back should.

Eric Garcia: 7.5

Garcia started as the defensive midfielder once again, joining Pedri in the middle of the park and doing well to ensure the ball stays with the Blaugrana.

Was crucial in maintaining the possession and circulation of the ball in addition to cutting out Espanyol counter-attacks. Came close to scoring with a great strike from distance in the first-half.

Pedri: 8

Back in full-flow after a hiccup. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Pedri was one of the players who surprisingly started on the night, especially given his discomfort in the game against Atletico Madrid midweek. He showed no signs of carrying that injury and controlled the tempo of the game neatly.

Gavi: 7.5

Gavi was handed a first start on the night and looked surprisingly sharp for a player who has been out in the long-term.

He played primarily on the left wing and the left side of midfield and did well with his challenges, pressure off the ball, and combination play. His spirit, quite clearly, was the same as that associated with him permanently.

Fermin Lopez: 8

Fermin was all over the field in the derby, running tirelessly and showing no signs of fatigue. He started in attacking midfield but regularly switched with Lamine Yamal and even featured on the right wing at times.

His runs disoriented Espanyol’s defence and created spaces that not only he attacked but even the likes of Ferran Torres benefited from.

Lamine Yamal: 10

Lamine Yamal is simply absurd. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Another game, and another masterclass from the 18-year-old who simply cannot stop shining. Yamal was magical once more, and while questions were raised on why he was starting on the night, his two assists made it clear that he is an essential cog.

Earned the first assist for Torres with a well-taken corner, then provided a dreamy assist for his second with a trivela that virtually walked itself into the goal after Torres’ deflection.

Earned his much deserved goal at the end of the game with a good run and finish into an open goal.

Ferran Torres: 9

A brace for the shark. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Handed a start on the night, Ferran Torres made the most of his opportunity and was splendid for both his goals in the opening half.

Scored a towering header to hand his side the lead and then provided a deft touch to beat the goalkeeper for the second. His movement and combination play, moreover, were impressive against Espanyol.

Marc Casado: 6.5

Came on in the second half to replace Martin and moved to midfield, displacing Eric Garcia to defence. Did well in possession, albeit nothing flashy.

Frenkie de Jong: 7

Came on as a late substitute and earned an assist for Rashford’s goal

Marcus Rashford: 7

The player came on in the second-half and scored a phenomenal goal off De Jong’s assist, although he did miss some far easier chances earlier in the half.