Barcelona 4-0 Villarreal: Player Ratings as Ronald Koeman's Barça Reign Gets Underway
A turbulent summer behind them, Barcelona kicked off the Ronald Koeman era with a 4-0 victory over Villarreal on Sunday.
The damage was done in the first half, with Barça going into the break with their four-goal advantage courtesy of a brace from Ansu Fati, a Lionel Messi penalty and an own goal from Pau Torres.
Whilst Fati undoubtedly stole the show at the Nou Camp, the sight of Messi in Barça colours will be a delight to the Barcelona faithful, after all that has gone on.
Let's take a look at the player ratings from the clash.
FC Barcelona
1. Goalkeeper & Defenders
Neto (GK) - 7/10 - It was a quiet night for the Brazilian who was called up to replace the injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Sergi Roberto (RB) - 7/10 - Another solid performance from the Spaniard going forward. However, Roberto wasn't really tested defensively.
Gerard Pique (CB) - 8/10 - After some doubts over his ability following the back end of last season, it was a dominant display from Pique that proved he has still very much got it.
Clement Lenglet (CB) - 7/10 - The Frenchman played his part in the opening goal, starting the move from which Fati scored.
Jordi Alba (LB) - 8/10 - A fine performance up and down the left flank. Alba worked well with Coutinho and Fati on the left side, assisting the first goal.
2. Midfielders
Sergio Busquets (CM) - 7/10 - A new role for the veteran Spaniard under Koeman saw him playing slightly more advanced than his midfield partner Frenkie de Jong, and it was a solid partnership.
Frenkie De Jong (CM) - 7/10 - A comfortable performance from the Dutchman, who looked to move the ball forward from deeper positions.
Philippe Coutinho (CAM) - 8/10 - After speculation over his future during the summer, the Brazilian responded with an assist in his 'number 10' role in a system which suited his talents.
3. Forwards
Antoine Griezmann (RW) - 7/10 - Tracking back along the right flank, retaining possession and getting involved in tackles, it perhaps wasn't a complete attacking performance, but Griezmann worked hard for Barça.
Ansu Fati (LM) - 9/10 - The star performer. Fati bagged a brace while also winning the penalty which Messi converted. The 17-year-old is arguably the world's most exciting teenager right now.
Lionel Messi (ST) - 8/10 - A sight Barcelona fans probably feared they wouldn't see again. Messi remains a Barça player after a turbulent summer, and rolled in a penalty for his first goal of the season.
4. Substitutes
Ousmane Dembele - 6/10
Pedri - 6/10
Trincao - 7/10
Miralem Pjanic - 6/10
Villarreal
5. Goalkeeper & Defenders
Sergio Asenjo (GK) - 7/10 - Despite conceding four goals, Asenjo did pull off an abundance of fine saves to stop Barcelona from further enhancing their goal difference.
Mario Gaspar (RB) - 5/10 - Arguably at fault for Fati's brace and the penalty decision, Gaspar had a torrid time dealing with the young winger.
Raul Albiol (CB) - 5/10 - The 35-year-old just looked off the pace along with the rest of the backline, struggling to contain Barça's attackers.
Pau Torres (CB) - 5/10 - Scored an own goal which gave FC Barcelona their fourth of the game as Messi's cross cannoned off Torres and into the net.
Pervis Estupinan (LB) - 6/10 - The summer signing from Watford tried to get up the pitch and make things happen, but was met by an aggressive Griezmann.
6. Midfielders
Samuel Chukwueze (RM) - 5/10 - A tough evening for the winger who struggled to make things happen against an indefatigable Alba.
Dani Parejo (CM) - 6/10 - Always looking to break up possession in the midfield and stop Barça's attackers, but Parejo was simply overwhelmed.
Francis Coquelin (CM) - 4/10 - A debut to forget. The defensive midfielder was outclassed by Barça's attacking quality and was subbed for the second half.
Moi Gomez (LM) - 5/10 - Struggled to get forward and cause any threat, meaning Roberto had a quiet evening defensively at right-back for Barça.
7. Forwards
Gerard Moreno (ST) - 5/10 - The striker had one of Villarreal's five shots during the game, and it wasn't on target.
Paco Alcacer (ST) - 5/10 - Most of his game was hold-up play to bring others into possession. Alcacer didn't register a shot at goal and was also pulled off for the second half with the score at 4-0.
8. Substitutes
Manu Trigueros - 6/10
Vicente Iborra - 6/10
Takefusa Kubo - 6/10
Ramiro Funes Mori - N/A
Carlos Bacca - N/A