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A perfect 10 for Lionel Messi in our player ratings as Barcelona overpower Tottenham

Andy West

01:43 04/10/2018

Two goals from Lionel Messi allowed Barcelona to secure a 4-2 victory at Tottenham and the Argentine is the predictable man of the match in our player ratings.

It was a strong display from the visitors and Messi had plenty of help. Find out who starred and struggled with our player ratings.

Barcelona (4-3-3)

Marc-Andre Ter Stegen – 6: Made a magnificent save from Lamela’s deflected cross in the first and had no chance with either Spurs goal.

Nelson Semedo – 6: A curious combination. Some excellent play on the ball and a threat going forward, but looked vulnerable defensively.

Gerard Pique – 6: Had some uncertain moments in line with his recent poor form but stood up to the challenge in the frantic latter stages.

Clement Lenglet – 6: Made a mistake in the build-up to Lamela’s goal, but compensated with a great late block on Moura. Generally solid.

Jordi Alba – 8: Great no-look pass for the opener and completed a hat-trick of assists by sliding precise passes for both of Messi’s goals.

Ivan Rakitic – 8: Rounded off an elegant performance with a spectacular volleyed goal, showcasing awesome technique to strike from distance.

Sergio Busquets – 8: Imperious in the centre of midfield, always finding the right pass despite often coming under heavy pressure.

Arthur – 8: A revelation. Rose to the occasion after a surprise inclusion with a good Xavi impression. Ran the show in the first hour.

Philippe Coutinho – 6: Tidy finish for the opener and had plenty of threatening moments but was often too hasty with his passing.

Lionel Messi – 10: Hit the post twice in three minutes and then got bored of that so decided to score. And then score again. Beyond words.

Luis Suarez – 7: Didn’t get on the scoresheet but worked like a Trojan all night and produced two selfless dummies to tee up Messi’s goals.

SUBS

Rafinha – 5:  Came on for Coutinho near the end but barely had a touch, struggling to adjust to the pace of the game.

Arturo Vidal – 6: Added some muscle to the visiting midfield for the final few minutes as Spurs pressed for a leveller.

Thomas Vermaelen: Introduced at the death to deal with Llorente’s aerial threat and did what he had to.

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