Rating the Barcelona Players Against Vallodolid

Barcelona claimed a 3-1 over Valladolid this Saturday, stretching their streak of games without a loss to 17 and opening up a 16-point lead over Real Madrid.

The victory was particularly important due to the absence of regular head coach Tito Vilanova, who was recovering from an operation on his parotid gland. It was also the first win of Jordi Roura, formerly Vilanova's assistant coach, as temporary head coach.

Here's how Barca's players performed individually.

GK Victor Valdes: 5.5

Only had one shot on target to deal with the whole game, and he spilled it to allow Valladolid's Javi Guerra to score a late goal. It didn't hurt the team in the end, but a keeper of his quality should be able to preserve a clean sheet in such situations.

LB Jordi Alba: 8.0

As usual, an all-action display from the Spanish international. Provided the cross for Barca's first goal, and chipped in with four tackles and three clearances on defense.

RB Dani Alves: 7.0

Didn't grab an assist like his teammate on the opposite flank, but made four key passes and completed a game-high two crosses. Turned over the ball four times, though.

CB Gerard Pique: 7.0

Solid overall performance; nothing spectacular, but few, if any, flaws. Had very little to do.

CB Javier Mascherano: 7.0

Had a bit of an off-day in terms of passing, but very active in defense. Again, not given much to deal with.

DM Sergio Busquets: 7.5

Ninety-two passes, three tackles, three interceptions, three accurate clearances. Solid stat line from one of Barcelona's most solid players.

CM Xavi: 8.5

Great all-around display from Barcelona's midfield conductor. Scored the opener for Barcelona right before half-time, then assisted Lionel Messi's 91st goal of the season in the second half. Chipped in with 126 passes on 94-percent pass accuracy, two tackles and two interceptions as well.

CM Thiago Alcantara: 7.0

Solid play from Barca's youngest starter. Didn't create as much offense as his manager would've liked, but passed the ball well with consistency throughout the game.

RW Pedro: 7.5

Compared to his recent performances, Pedro showed improvement against Valladolid. Chances were limited, but he hit the post with his one attempt on goal and also kept working to thread the ball through the defense with four through-ball attempts.

LW Alexis Sanchez: 6.0

I may have forgotten the last time Sanchez had a genuinely good game. Missed a sitter in the sixth minute and did little else for the rest of the game. Had 36 fewer touches than the next-lowest outfielder, Pedro, who had 72.

CF Lionel Messi: 9.0

The guy is unreal; every superlative in the book has probably been used to describe Messi by now. Seven completed dribbles, scored the second goal and hit the post on another occasion.

Has to be a lock-in for the Ballon D'Or once again at this point.

Substitutes 

LW David Villa: 6.0

Came on in the 77th minute and managed to turn the ball over twice. Did little else.

AM Iniesta: 7.5

Combined with fellow substitute Cristian Tello to put the game to bed for Barcelona.

RW Cristian Tello: N/A

Came on in the 93rd minute, scored seconds later. Can't ask for more than that.

All stats obtained from WhoScored.com.

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