Tottenham vs Barcelona: player rating, Skipp, Bissouma and Sanchez shine amidst defeat
Here are our Tottenham Hotspur player ratings after their 4-2 defeat in their final pre-season friendly match at Barcelona on Tuesday evening
Guglielmo Vicario
Beaten by a clinical Lewandowski volley within two minutes. Pushed away a shot from the same player from the edge of the box 18 minutes in. Punched out a ball that he then had to save after it was sent back almost over him. Couldn’t do much about Torres’ finish from two yards but did save from Ezzalzouli soon after. Made a wonderful flying save from a free-kick late in the game but was beaten by two late finishes. 5
Pedro Porro
A quiet game on the whole and he was nowhere near when Lewandowski scored early on, having been drawn across. Another conceded goal in pre-season that’s come from his side of the box. Did have a low shot saved in the second half but was again caught on his heels for both late goals. 3
Eric Dier
Looked shaky at times early on alongside Sanchez and the high line is not his friend, but did get a grip on the backline as the game wore on until those late moments. The ball to Fati was played between him and Porro. 5
Davinson Sanchez
All over the place in trying to chase Raphinha for the opening goal within two minutes. Sent a header at the keeper from a corner at the other end. He did defend better as the half wore on with a few good tackles and passed well under pressure on the whole. Dealt well with a ball over Porro early in the second half with a last ditch tackle to cover the Spaniard. Before the hour mark he made a great sliding block to divert a shot over the Spurs crossbar and then another moments later on the run. Spurs’ best defender on the night by a distance. Would have been an eight but, harsh or not, a defence that conceded four goals can’t really have someone with an eight in it. 7
Sergio Reguilon
Lost Raphinha behind him for the early Barcelona goal but played a big part in Skipp’s equaliser with his run and pass back to Perisic. An energetic first half but was caught out by another ball over the top in the build-up to the hosts’ second goal. Beaten too easily down his flank for Barcelona’s third and then looked injury and did not move to stop the move for their fourth. 4
Oliver Skipp
A goal against Barcelona is one for the CV, but two is even better. The young midfielder was facing a tough time in the midfield with the hosts’ movement early but he bounced back and got his own back with aplomb by clinically firing home the loose ball for the equaliser and then heading home Perisic’s cross after a great run into the box to make it a double. Worked hard in the second half and came off after 70 minutes before the game turned to be replaced by Devine. 9
Yves Bissouma
Got better and better as the half wore on with some confident dribbles and turns and one great track back to slide in and stop a Barca attack. Lots of confidence on the ball. Took a whack and was replaced late on. 8
Giovani Lo Celso
Got on to Reguilon’s pass and hit the post before Skipp buried the loose ball. Tried to link the midfield and attack with quick passes out wide. 7
Manor Solomon
Caused Barcelona some problems down his flank and sent a shot wide after the half hour mark and ran through late in the half but hit a weak shot. Switched to the left after Perisic went off but struggled for an end product. 6
Richarlison
Had a shot deflected wide 15 minutes in but did not see much of the ball in the first half. Had a good turn and strike in the second half which curled just over the bar. Worked hard for the team but it just wasn’t his night. 5
Ivan Perisic
Played a lovely reverse ball to Reguilon in the build up to Skipp’s goal and then supplied the perfect cross for his second. As a winger, he could be a big player for Postecoglou if he sticks around. His deliveries have so much quality. Came off before the 75 minute mark for Spence. 8
Subs
Djed Spence
Came on in a right wing role with Solomon switching to the left and he used the ball well until a late moment when he was tackled up the pitch and Barcelona broke before scoring the winner. 5
Alfie Devine
Worked hard in the midfield but Barcelona grew stronger with their many changes. 5
Dane Scarlett
Some nice touches after coming on and linking up with Bissouma. 6
Pape Matar Sarr
Replaced Bissouma for the final few minutes. N/A