The 4-1 result was very harsh on Roma, so who made the best impression against Barcelona in our Football Italia player ratings?
Words: Tom Scholes – @_TomScholes
Alisson – 6
The 4-1 result was very harsh on Roma, so who made the best impression against Barcelona in our Football Italia player ratings?
Words: Tom Scholes – @_TomScholes
Alisson – 6
Although the Brazilian will feel that he could have done better with a few of the goals, it could have been a lot worse if he didn’t make some important saves. We’ve grown accustomed to Alisson producing some outstanding saves and being a match winner/saver for Roma and it could have been a lot worse in the second half if it wasn’t for him.
Alessandro Florenzi – 5.5
I must admit that at the start of the game I wasn’t sure whether Florenzi was at right back or on the right wing to nullify some Barcelona attacking threat. Either way, he didn’t really do much to make a difference in this game, but at the same time wasn’t so poor as to give a low rating. He did his job to a substantial degree, but wasn’t as big a factor as he may have wanted to be.
Federico Fazio – 6.5
At times Fazio can look a bit out of place when up against the likes of Lionel Messi due to his size and how slow he can be on the turn. However, I felt he played reasonably well tonight given who he was marking and at times made some good blocks and interceptions, mainly in the first 45 minutes.
Kostas Manolas – 6
If it wasn’t for a few mistakes, I’d have been able to write the same rating for Manolas as I did for Fazio, but whilst the own goal was unfortunate from Roma’s point of view, we must not forget that it was Manolas who let Samuel Umtiti get around the back of him and was forced into a quick clearance that clattered against the post.
Aleksandar Kolarov – 5
Not to criticise Kolarov too much because I felt he didn’t offer much going forward, however the system Roma played tonight wasn’t suited to him and quite frankly it would have been defensive suicide to bomb forward against Barcelona, leaving their attacks with space in behind.
Kevin Strootman – 6
A reasonable performance from the Dutchman who wasn’t bad, but was rather unspectacular and safe in the middle of the pitch. Provided a decent screen in front of the back four and defended when needed, tried to get the wingers involved whenever he could.
Daniele De Rossi – 6
The own goal he scored will be what grabs the headlines in the morning, but I feel that De Rossi actually had quite a good game. He provided defensive cover well and was solid when called upon, especially against quicker opposition, and did his job. If he hadn’t intercepted that cross, Messi would’ve scored it anyway.
Lorenzo Pellegrini – 5
In a midfield trio of Kevin Strootman, Daniele De Rossi and Lorenzo Pellegrini, the latter had to be the one to provide some sort of attacking penetration. That message must have bypassed Pellegrini, because he looked very uncomfortable. Still should've had a penalty when brought down on the line by Samuel Umtiti.
Diego Perotti – 7
I’ve seen some people be rather negative towards Perotti and I felt that was quite harsh on the winger, who for my money was the star man for Roma, if I had to pick one. Yes, he missed a gilt-edged chance that 100% would have changed the complexion of the game, if not the tie, but every time Roma were attacking it was through him. He was at least trying to make something happen and for that, I have to commend him.
Edin Dzeko – 6
The best strikers are those that can go 89 minutes without being involved and then in that one minute can strike and get themselves on the scoresheet. This was Edin Dzeko at Camp Nou, who was rather absent for the majority for the game, but showed good composure and alertness to pounce on the goal. He may have had a soft penalty appeal turned down in the first half, but that aside he was anonymous and still grabbed himself a goal.
Bruno Peres – 5
It’s safe to say that Bruno Peres and Alessandro Florenzi on the right wing against Andres Iniesta and Jordi Alba wasn’t going to be an equal contest, but the overall lack of involvement from Peres at any stage in the game was flat out concerning.
Subs:
Maxime Gonalons – 4
I liked Gonalons at Lyon, but this isn’t the same midfielder. If anyone finds that Gonalons, please let Roma know.
Stephan El Shaarawy – N/A
Came on with about 20 minutes to go, yet I hardly remember him changing anything.
Gregoire Defrel – 5
I give credit to Defrel, he came on in a tough moment in the game and still tried to be effective. Unfortunately for him, most of what he did never worked, including a great chance fired straight at Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.