Barcelona player ratings against Villarreal: Frenkie de Jong steps up in Pedri’s absence

Dec 21, 2025 - 18:00

Barcelona continued their La Liga winning run on Sunday with a professional 2-0 victory over Villarreal at La Ceramica.

Joan Garcia – 7.5

Barcelona’s decision to sign Garcia in the summer continues to look more and more vindication, as he made multiple big saves to ensure a clean sheet.

Jules Kounde – 7

Linked up well on the right flank, as he ends a difficult first half of the season (on an individual basis) on a high -although he was taken off late on with an injury issue.

Pau Cubarsi – 6.5

A poor pass early on almost led to a Villarreal goal, but aside from that, he was untroubled.

Gerard Martin- 6.5

Wanted too much time on the ball on multiple occasions, but like Cubarsi, he did well when called upon after Villarreal went down to 10 men.

Alejandro Balde – 6.5

Good in an attacking sense, but had some issues in defence.

Eric Garcia – 7

Started slowly, but grew into the game. He continues to look like an excellent midfield option.

Frenkie de Jong – 8

Promoted to the starting line-up due to Pedri’s injury absence, and he took his chance. He ran the show in midfield, and got a deserved assist for Barcelona’s second goal.

Lamine Yamal – 7.5

He caused problems for Villarreal’s defence throughout the 90 minutes, and his reward was a goal in the second half.

Fermin Lopez – 6.5

Very fluid performance from Fermin, although he lacked decisiveness.

Raphinha – 7.5

He’s working his way back into last season’s form. Won an early penalty that he converted himself, and he could have found the net on further occasions.