Valencia (4-3-2-1)
Jaume Domenech – 7: Was beaten too easily at his near post for Suarez’s goal, but made a great save from a late Lionel Messi free-kick to ensure Valencia held onto the draw.
Ruben Vezo – 6: The centre back filled in on the right – where Valencia were without both Joao Cancelo and Antonio Barragan – and really struggled up against Neymar in the first half. But it looked like someone had a word with him at half-time, and his performance picked up after the break.
Aderllan Santos – 7: Put his body on the line to make some great blocks and interceptions that denied certain Barca goals.
Aymen Abdennour – 5: Looked somewhat unconvincing at the heart of the defence, got pulled out of position to allow Suarez in to score and got himself embroiled in Suarez’s silly games.
Jose Luis Gaya – 8: Defended well to keep Lionel Messi and Dani Alves uncharacteristically quiet. Rarely got forward to support down the left flank in attack, but that really wasn’t his job in this game.
Danilo – 8: The youngster had a superb game in midfield, getting tackles in to break play up and bursting forward when given the opportunity. Hit a great left-footed shot that stung the fingers of Claudio Bravo late on.
Enzo Perez – 6: Full of energy and running in the midfield, but struggled to really get into the game.
Dani Parejo – 6: Also struggled to impose himself and get on the ball in midfield, and inevitably found himself pushed back deeper by Barca.
Santi Mina – 7: Did very little other than to score his goal, but what a goal it was. He showed great desire to get forward and join Alcacer in the box and finished with a superb driven shot. Neville will be looking to see more of this quality from Mina.
Rodrigo de Paul – 6: Showed flashes of his quality but struggled to get into the game as Valencia found themselves under pressure. Another very talented young player that Neville will be looking to get more quality out of in the next few weeks and months.
Paco Alcacer – 8: His contribution to Mina’s goal was superb. He chased down a long ball up the pitch, controlled it brilliantly on his chest, held off Gerard Pique and had the awareness to lay the ball off to Mina to fire home. Other than that he received very little service, but that moment of magic out of nothing is why he’s in the side.
Substitutes:
Pablo Piatti – 7: Came on for de Paul and certainly made a difference with his pace and enthusiasm.
Zakaria Bakkali – 6: Also provided plenty of pace and running, another indication of the quality in wide areas that Neville will have at his disposal.
Carlos Carbonell – N/A: Came on for Mina right at the end to sure things up.
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