Player Ratings for the 2014/15 Treble winners

[footyfan]

Post your player ratings for this historic season:

Bravo - 8
Solid and dependable. Key to winning the league with crucial saves in some crucial matches. Broke several goal-keeping records too.

ter Stegen - 8
Not as solid as Bravo, as his weaknesses were apparent while dealing with crosses or corners. However, had a brilliant performance against Bayern in 2nd leg to keep Barca in front in the tie. His distribution has been outstanding throughout and was there for all to see in the CL final. Brillant signing and a great job for his 1st year at a new club and at such a young age.

Alves - 8.5
Since the turn of the year (and more specifically Messi's switch to the right), he has been absolutely rejuvenated. Best right-back in the world in 2015. Not only has he been fantastic defensively and offensively, his link-up with Rakitic and Messi makes him a de-facto extra midfielder for Barcelona, with flashbacks of his peak of 2009-2011. All Barca fans should want him to renew. Best right-back in Barca history.

Pique - 9
Started the season sluggishly and the subsequent benching by Lucho served as a big wake-up call. Since then, has shown a consistency that has eluded him since 2011. We all know how great he can be on his day, and this season he played all the gamedays as if they were "his days". Best CB in the world.

Mascherano - 8.5
The most dependable and consistent CB for Barcelona over the past 5 years, and he showed the same this season. Tenacious, aggressive, commandeering and a brilliant tackler - he has all the qualities you would look for in a CB - bar one - his height disadvantage. Whether it was the coaching staff eliminating these weaknesses, good defensive wingplay from the centre-midfielders or just pure luck, but this disadvantage was rarely exploited by opposing teams this year and consequently Masch had his best season since 2011.

Alba - 8
Alba had a typical season for Barcelona, demonstrating the speed, link-up and stamina that we've come to expect from the road-runner. His partnership with Neymar has grown leaps and bounds, and his runs (and immaculate first touch) to get to Messi's lofted throughballs were one of the constants this season. One of the best LBs in the world.

Rakitic - 9
Started well playing along side Busquets, constantly covering for Alves' runs but had a dip in form around October that saw him benched for the 3-1 Clasico loss at the Bernabeu. However, Messi's shift to the right benefited him as much as it did Alves. He didn't have to carry the burden of creating from the right side with the Messiah along side him, and he stuck to the simpler but more crucial defensive, control and counter-attacking tasks that have transformed how Barca play football. A huge upgrade to Fabregas, and Raki even had the time to show some magnificent first-touch passes that would have made Cesc proud, and none more apparent than the pass to Pique in the final. An absolute steal for 18 million.

Busquets - 9
In the beginning of the season, he looked to be continuing the slight dip he has experienced since the beginning of 2014, being careless in possession and not getting back in time. His passing though, was as incisive as ever and he has proven to be the main playmaking midfielder for Barcelona. As the season went along, he was better protected from the front with Lucho's team-pressing really coming to the fore with Suarez leading the line and this left him to focus on bossing the middle of the park like only he can. My MOTM in the CL final and once again Barca's most crucial midfielder of the season.

Iniesta - 7.5
It looked like it was going to be one of the poorest Iniesta seasons of his career even up until April, with him failing to register a single league assist for the vast majority of the season. He could not display the typical Iniesta control and protection we have come to expect from the Don, and it looked like the only reason he was preferred to a close-to-retirement Xavi was his defensive advantage over the Catalan veteran. However, as the season came to a close, Iniesta showed once again that he is the ultimate big-game player, raising his level without seemingly doing anything spectacular. In particular, his defensive contributions and anticipation really shone through, and he was an invaluable asset against teams around Europe and Spain who have begun to really play attacking football against Barcelona. Overall, he was still the weakest midfielder of the season though. His highlight was that brilliant run cutting through the PSG team in the home leg of the CL quarterfinals.

Xavi - 8
For vast portions of the season, he looked like the best midfielder in the squad despite being 35. Just goes to show his unwavering influence over this Barca generation. It always did look like he would never be able to match up to the better teams though, as his legs simply would not allow him to possess the freshness and intensity requisite in this new, defensively sound Barca team. However, he was always a pivotal first sub, calming frantic games in which Barca were leading and safely navigating the team to victory. Best Spanish player in history, he has left a legacy that will never be erased. Good luck to him in Qatar.

Messi - 10
The best player I've seen in my life, and probably the best player of all time. After the World Cup disappointment, no one could have imagined that he would emerge better than ever before. No one could have imagined that he would keep his goal tally despite a move back to the right wing, and no one could have imagined the extent of his creative abilities. He is not only the greatest goalscorer of the past 40 years, but has now proven that he's also the most creative player since Maradona. There is not a lot else that can be said about him, and as Pep smartly concluded "Don't talk about him, don't write about him, just watch him play."

Suarez - 9.5
The best signing anywhere in Europe. He had the pressure of a massive price tag, but after a slow start has exploded into life, showcasing the vision, hunger, intensity and physicality that has been missing in the Barca side since the departure of Samuel Eto'o. The most crucial player in the Barca front line tactically, he is probably Lucho's favorite player, with his pressing and hold-up play key to Lucho's vision and successful implementation of this transformed Barcelona team. Got his just reward with the crucial go-ahead goal in the CL final, and the passion that makes him the player he is and the darling of the Barcelona fandom was there for all to see.

Neymar - 9.5
The best young player in the world and a near-certain Ballon D'Or podium candidate, Neymar has grown immensely this past season. In addition to the flair and creativity that we all knew and expected from the flamboyant Brazilian, Neymar has added a ruthless and CR7-esque finishing streak to his game that has allowed Messi to fully express the playmaking side of his game that I already talked about earlier. For this alone, Neymar has been fully worth whatever his price tag is nowadays. He has scored the game-winning or go-ahead goal the most times of anyone in the squad, in particular scoring in all of the CDR semifinals, CDR final, CL quarterfinals, CL semifinals and CL final. Barcelona can add yet another ultimate big-game player to their ranks. As the season has progressed, he has also learnt to spend less time on the ball, and the quality of his link-up with the midfielders and Alba has been key to Barca maintaining superiority on the left side of the pitch and giving Messi and Alves a break in the process. However, the most underrated part of his campaign has been his defensive contributions. He has recovered 172 balls this season, more than double that in his first season. The most complete winger in the world.

 

[TornAndFrayed]

Bravo: 8. Rock solid first season, made us forget about Valdes.

Ter Stegen: 7. I'm glad he didn't play the liga this year. Insane skills but still needs to hone them before he becomes one of the best.

Alba: 7. Pretty solid season, very constant, you know what you are getting with Alba. Unfortunately you also know what you are not getting.

Mascherano: 7.5. Hard to do better than Masche given his limited set of skills. His grinta and leadership completely salvage what would otherwise be an ordinary CB (not great technically, short, etc)

Piqué: 8. A big turnaround from previous seasons. Still somewhat inconsistent, ranging from average to truly world-class this season. Finally learned the right attitude too. Huge season for Piqué.

Alves: 7.5. Was mediocre for a long time, not even a 6 in my eyes, then massively improved for the money time. Best RB, scratch that, best fullback in the world in the past 3 months or so, no question.

Busquets: 8. A really constant player, no one in the world can play the way he does at DM. A crucial player for fcb, the best masia product since Leo.

Rakitic: 8. What a gem for 18 mil. Rakitic fits lucho's new midfield set-up perfectly. Very constant as well, since a rather large part of his game isn't prone to variation (pressing, defensive workrate babysitting alves). Our best goal threat outside of our forwards.

Iniesta: 7. The system definitely doesn't suit his individual qualities as well as Rakitic's, but part of this rather quiet season is also due to individual decline, as Iniesta definitely improved in the second part of the season, with world-class performances in some of the biggest games.

Xavi: 7.5. Rated above Iniesta as Xavi was almost gone last summer. As a sub Lucho used him to bring the game under control when we needed him to, surely the reason why Lucho really wanted him in the squad. Definitely not just a rotation player.
See you soon maestro.

Neymar: 8. Became a world class finisher and clutch player this season. Scored in many crucial games and fits perfectly as the spearhead of the trident, especially in counters. I expect more vision and solo runs next season.

Suarez: 8.5. As footy said, probably the most important player from a tactical standpoint, he's the guy who we missed most in previous seasons. Glorious hunger and pressing, exceeded everyone's expectations for his first season in spain after months without competitive football, even more decisive than neymar. His second year could truly be something.

Messi: 9.5. Can't give out a 10 out of principle since Messi really raised his game further after a relatively quiet start (for his standards). No need to highlight his pros, it's Messi.

 

[Vlom]

I'd say exactly the same as [MENTION=11986]footyfan[/MENTION] , except may be just a 7 for Iniesta, except for the PSG run and CL final he has been very underwhelming for large parts of the season, I really don't know what version to expect from him next season.

 

[footyfan]

Balanced review, [MENTION=9569]TornAndFrayed[/MENTION]! Looking forward to some more opinions on the season.

 

[TornAndFrayed]

there's no love for my post
its suarez rated above neymar, he can't get 2nd place at the ballon d'or like that

 

[StarLord]

Bravo - 8

I can only remember of his blunder vs Sevilla away that allowed Emery's side back into the game. Other than that, I feel that he has been rock-solid throughout the season and more consistent than Valdez ever was. Was also aided from a better defensive performance from our team than we could ever have hoped for.

Ter Stegen - 8

One blunder vs PSG at the Group Stage (Verratti goal) and a really stupid move against Man City at home are the only serious mistakes I can remember this season from our young goalkeeper. Again, like Bravo, very consistent and very much aided by a significantly improved defensive performance from the entire team.

Mascherano - 8

Despite his severe lack of height has served this club very well throughout his stay (almost) Has been another extremely consistent performer for us this season, and his bravery and ability to win the ball in the toughest of situations come in very handy indeed. Not a proper CB for sure, but we still have 2 CLs with him at the back. His only genuinely poor game was against Munich, in Munich.

Pique - 9

Turned into the world's prime CB after a slow start. None of us really believed that Mr. Shakira could ever replicate his classy early years for us after so many underwhelming seasons. Thankfully, Gerard proved us wrong and propelled the club to another historic treble. Was at the heart of a record-shattering defensive performance from the entire team.

Alves - 9

After an inconsistent start to the season (very much like his previous three seasons or so) returned to his swashbuckling best for the crucial games in the latter period of the season. One of course is more than forgiven to suspect that his renaissance had much to do with his contract expiring etc... Still, Daniel Alves has been unfairly criticized by football fans in general and by Cules in particular in recent years, so his triumphant 2015 should quiet a lot of critics. His contribution to the first Barca goal vs Bayern, should probably have merited a "9" all of its own. Best RB of the past decade at the very, very least.

Alba - 8

A very solid season from the tireless Jordi Alba. Nothing super-spectacular, but a useful addition for the team. He can improve his status and ratings if he only improves on his atrocious finishing (missed sitters vs Real Madrid and some CL opponents)

Busquets - 8.5

Despite his total lack of strength or pace, Busquets manages to be the world's best defensive midfielder for the past several years, especially when injury-free as he was this season. Was crucial in so many of our big games this season, through his brilliant reading of the game and his insane touch on the ball. Long may he continue. Still relatively young.

Rakitic - 8

An extremely solid player, if somewhat unspectacular in comparison to what we are used to from our midfielders. Adequate performances in general and a few great ones in the big games have masked some underwhelming ones is some other games. Still, a vital contributor.

Xavi - 7

Was more than useful when coming on, and showed glimpses of his unique genius as well for the last season in a blaugrana shirt. But the fact of the matter is that Xavi only played against the very weakest opponents. Left the club in the most glorious manner imaginable. You really can't make his and Iniesta's carrer up, even if you were a Hollywood screenwriter.

Iniesta - 8

Was having a rather bad season, probably his worst ever (along with injury-ridden 09/10) But the Don is the Don, and as we all hoped for, he turned it on for the very biggest games. Was very good (or better) in all the big CL games (even from the group stage) except the first leg against PSG. Was also great versus Real Madrid in the Camp Nou Clasico. Can we ask for anything more? Bring in some new blood for the mundane game-to-game donkey work. The Don should be reserved for special occasions only from now on. That run against PSG is my favorite Barca moment of the season (along with Leo vs Bayern, which was more crucial of course, but less magical) and is testament to Iniesta's unique brilliance. Best midfielder ever for me.

Neymar - 9

I will be harsh on Neymar, by giving him "only" a "9", despite the fact that he is probably worth half a point more. He demonstrated his abundance of raw footballing talent to ecstatic cules as well as hordes of spiteful and disappointed haters. The good news for us, is that he still has significant room for improvement in several aspects of his game, including his short passing, decision-making, and sometimes even his finishing (which can mysteriously range from the sublime, to sometimes, the ridiculous) Scored 39 goals in I am not mistaken, and more crucially joint-top scorer of the CL along with Messi and CR7. A clutch performer to boot, scoring against Real Madrid, Atletico (repeatedly) lots of crucial openers in the league etc... Moreover, 7 goals came from the quarter-finals onwards! Scored in every single of our last 5 CL games (equalized the record from a 1961's Benfica player) against the mightiest of opponents. You know what, fuck that, I am giving him a 9.5!

Suarez - 9.5

After a slow start for us, in which he still managed to be more than useful with his tireless running and assists, he came to be what we were looking for for so many years. Along with Neyboy, he became the attacking duo that Messi has always deserved but was never provided with for so many seasons now. His sheer passion and tenacity have been nightmare for opposition defenders. His selfishness in front of goal have also made the team even more irresistible, and has allowed the enormous egos found in our forward line to work in harmony. As with Neymar, he has also been a clutch player, scoring crucial goals galore and providing plenty of assists to both of his strike partners.


Lionel Messi - 11

After a bad season (for Messi's standards that is) he came back to his best, ridiculing his detractors along the way. Simply the GOAT, as not even Maradona is a worthy rival for him anymore (I challenge anyone to provide a list of Diego's Top 5, or 10 or 20 games, and compare those with Messi's equivalent) His performances vs Man City and Bayern are simply the stuff of legend. Brilliant all around season in which the man played as a RW/midfielder/striker seemingly all at the same time, and being brilliant at every turn. The fact that Messi's performance against Juventus in the final was characterized by some as disappointing or underwhelming is a testament to his inhuman talents. People have come to expect highlight gold from each and every game (which of course he usually provides) that Messi plays, and when his performance is still the very best that any other current player could ever hope for, it seems underwhelming for him.

 

[bismp]

I will just rate(no analysis):
Bravo:8
Ter Stegen:8
Alves:8
Mascherano:9
Pique:9
Alba:8
Busquets:8,5
Rakitic:8,5
Iniesta:7,5
Messi:9.5
Suarez:8,5
Neymar:9

Subs(a will use an A,B,C etc rating here):
Masip:-
Douglas:C+
Montoya:B
Bartra:B+
Adriano:B-
Xavi:A-
Roberto:B
Rafinha:B+
Munir:B-
Sandro:B
Pedro:B+
Samper:-
Vermaelen:-
Mathieu:A-

 

[messi2140]

Bravo 8,5: He didn't have a great season at Real Sociedad last year , so it was a complete surprise to me with how well he played in the WC and for us. I have to say in the beginning of the season he was really panicking when he had the ball at his feet but as the season progressed he became better and better. He really won us points in the LL , with great saves against Real , against Valencia saving a crucial penalty etc... The only mistake that comes to mind is the one against Sevilla, but that can happen to everyone.

Ter Stegen 8: A great goalkeeper with a great ball distribution and really solid with the ball with both his feet at the mere age 23. Knowing that goalkeepers can easily play until 33 a 37, I think Barcelona shouldn't worry about buying a goalkeeper for quite some time. I have to say his aerial ability isn’t top-notch but that is something that can be improved upon. With some great saves against PSG several times and Bayern denying them from getting into the game, he was solid throughout both competitions (CL and CdR).

Dani Alves 8,5: He had a really mediocre first half of the season. Barely tracking back , Messi playing centrally in the first half season didn't allow him to consistently link up with Messi leaving him with either passing the ball to Rakitic or crossing that left us Barca fans really frustrated. But in the second half of the season he showed us that he can still be the best RB in the world. Pure joy to watch, Great link-up play with his teammates mostly Messi and to a lesser extent Rakitic , good pressing (led to the first goal against Bayern) and he was even solid in defense. And let's not forget that he is a great teammate on and off the pitch, let's hope he continues playing like this for the next few season at Barcelona.

Pique 9 : He didn't come back from great WC coupled with some issues he had off the pitch when the season started at Barcelona and we had a Pique who wasn’t concentrated on the pitch and making silly mistakes. Lucho benching him was a great decision from the manager. From that moment on he was a rock in the defense and a monster in the air. What really surprised me this season is how much he matured ever since he got benched, he had an astounding season for me. One of the key players that led this Barcelona to the treble.

Mascherano 8: A DM who got converted to a centre-back when he arrived here at Barcelona. I was never a fan of him being our first choice CB because of his lack jumping high enough and his lack of height. Him being partnered with a rock-solid Pique created a great partner duo. One of the players who was solid for us from the beginning of the season.

Alba 8,0: A solid season from this little Spanish left-back. Great contribution defensively and offensively. When the opposition hits Barca on the break, he always manages to catch up. I absolutely love his runs into box, although his finishing usually let's him down. One of the best left-backs this season. He is quick, he is fast and he is got pace , what else do you need ?

Busquets 9,5: A sloppy start for Busquets standard , but he was still decent. As the season progressed we started seeing the Busquets we all know. His Passing accuracy, tactical intelligence and his ball recovery makes him one the most important players for Barcelona and one of the best if not the best DM in the world.

Rakitic 9: When you watch his first matches for Barcelona and then his last matches , you will see a real improvement, not only because Lucho finding the tactic that’s working for Barcelona but also his attributes when it comes to passing , scanning the pitch around before receiving a pass and his composure when he gets pressured (it’s not Xavi-like but he really improved in those areas). His insane work-rate allows Dani to get more involved in the attacking play of Barcelona. To think that Barcelona just got him for 18 million, he is easily the best transfer of the previous summer transfer window when you look at the price and how he improved this Barca side.

Iniesta 7,5 : He really had a limited role compared with the previous seasons. He was a playmaker with more defensive contributions and less offensive ones. I have to say he was for the bigger part of the season a letdown for his standard, but he really stepped it up at the end of the season.

Neymar 9: What a season he had. From the start he was fantastic and had a great synergy with Messi. His runs behind the defenders of the opposition that are almost always get picked up by Messi with his passes, along with his clinical finishing made him a nightmare for every team. There is still of room for improvement when it comes to creating chances and mostly favoring Messi above Suarez when Suarez is in a better position but, he is still 23 years and can only become better.

Suarez 9: With the biting incident in the WC resulting in a 4 month-ban, there was a lot of doubt if he would be worth that 80mil price tag. Him playing at the beginning of the season (when he was allowed to play) on the right-side made it tough for him to score goals but the assists were coming and it all changed when Messi was moved to the right and Suarez being the no.9 against APOEL. It still took time for him to adapt to the defenders sitting in their box and him lacking playing time but as the season progressed he only became better. An absolute nightmare for defenders to cover him, because of his constant movement and him knowing how to play with his back to the opposition’s goal (one of the few strikers who is really good at it ). It’s safe to say he is worth the price tag.

Messi 10: Messi that’s all I have to say about him.

 

[Asylum15]

Bravo > 8: Solid, reliable. Made some crucial saves when needed, was reliable even not needed. Only mistake I remember from this season was the Banega shot at Valencia. Confident and commanding in his area. Has been an excellent aquisition. However, I think Ter Stegan is better with his feet.

TerStegan > 7: For me, wasn't an entirely impressive season, but he has good potential. He is excellent with his feet, actually better than I ever expected. His long range passing especially is impressive, those switches to either full-back are excellent. However, he's been culpable for a lot of our goals this season, at key times. PSG away in the group stage, and CL final being two that come to mind. He has good potential as I say however.

Dani Alves > 8: Does a terrific 2nd half of the season make up for a horrible first half? I have to be honest, when I heard he might leave back at Christmas, I wasn't so miffed. He had seemed to leave his concentration behind him, and wasn't linking with Leo as before. The own goal against Malaga was the peak of it, but he turned it around, and was comfortably the best RB in the world from then until now. I'm happy he's staying because his most important attribute for me by a mile is his link up with Leo, it's got us so many goals, created endless chances. His high pressure is great too, as seen against Bayern in the 1st leg of the CL.

Montoya > 4: When you don't play alot, it becomes more difficult, but I really don't see a future here for him. He is too one dimensional. Excellent pace, but his decision making and speed of thought are more times than not his downfall. Doesn't offer much if anything to our attack either. I'd expect him to be sold soon.

Douglas > N/A: Why did we buy him, really?

Pique > 9: One player I've questioned time and time again since 2011. I've never been a huge fan, but one thing is for sure, when his head is on the game, he is extremely effective. His faultless distribution is taken for granted almost, but he can defend also. His performances this year have been fantastic. For me, in previous years, his biggest weakness was when isolated in 1v1 situations against mobile players, but the work Enrique/Unzue have done has mean't this rarely happens these days.

Mascherano > 8: Going from the player at Liverpool who could barely pass a ball 5 yards to a behemoth central defender for us with excellent distribution is a hell of transformation. He's been terrific for us, so reliable, and his passion on the field is great to see. Deserves huge respect.

Bartra > 6.5: I don't really know what I think of Marc to be honest. Even when he played a lot of games in the last couple of years, he seemed to me a player who is good against the mid-tier sides, but against the big guys, he's not trust worthy yet. He's got all the application in the world, but similar to Montoya, I just don't see the Barca quality in Bartra. Pique was miles better at his age, and with Vermaelen/Masch ahead of him, I think it will be difficult for him.

Vermaelen > N/A: I am extremely excited to see him next year. I believe he and Pique could form an incredible partnership, IF he can stay fit, big if however. He suits us to the ground IMO. Was my favorite signing besides Suarez last Summer.

Mathieu > 7: Solid, and a good little addition. He isin't everyone's favorite around here but I like him. He's mobile, good in the air, and has a good left foot. His ability to play in tight spaces is questionable at times, and a few brain farts have cost us this year. Jeremy is a very good squad player however, and has good experience.

Alba > 9: Don't think he ever gets the praise he deserves. The guy is the real life Duracell bunny, except only more charged and faster. His recovery pace has got us out of so many potential fuck ups, that I've lost count. On the ball, his decision making for me is absolutely brilliant, similar to a Sergio Busquets. He just always picks the right pass. Of course, his attacking doesn't need anymore mentioning. How many times have we seen the guy appear out of nowhere and cover 20 yards in the click of a finger, arriving onto a Leo Messi lobbed pass? Unless there is a big drop off in his level, he can be our LB for the next 5 years at least. Only thing I would suggest is that he works on his finishing!

Adriano > 5: Solid when called upon, but has his fair share of nightmares, Valencia at home in La Liga was as bad as it gets. He's quick, and used to supply us with some outrageous long range hits on either leg, but at 30 now, he's moving closer and closer to an eventual exit IMO. Still a good back up for Alba for now.

Sergio Busquets > 9: I honestly was shocked at his performance drop-off after the WC. However, he has turned his season around just like many other members of this squad and once again, has shown why he's by a mile the best CDM in the world. Does anything phase him? Definitely one of the most intelligent players ever. His ability to read the game is just phenomenal.

Rakitic > 9: What a signing! I, personally had big hopes for Ivan, a big fan of him at Sevilla. His distribution is brilliant, but for me it's what he does off the ball that's most impressive. His understanding of space, making space, and eliminating space is wonderful, similar in a way to Busquets. His added mobility in midfield has been huge for us, no matter if it's bursting forward to offer an extra wall-pass, or score, or running back to cover with Alves. A player who was extremely important to our treble this year.

Iniesta > 7.5: For me, an up and down season. Some weeks, you drooled at what he could do, such as that run against PSG in the CL knockouts, but other weeks he was invisible and left Rakitic to do most of the work. Hopefully he can be a little more consistent next year. His assist record, while deceiving is a worry for me also. He may be the best assister of the assist of all time!

Xavi > 7.5: Gave his all when needed. Hard for me as he was my favorite player in his final season. It's a horrible thing to see 2010 and before Xavi and then realise 5 years have passed and that he's gone. However, he gave us the ability to control games when we needed, especially when we were 'protecting' leads. Adios to the Maestro.

Rafinha > 7: This guy hasn't convinced me yet. Could never play alongside Iniesta, and doesn't have the understanding of space like Ivan/Sergio/Andres do. Too many times he's been caught out of position etc for me. He does have some interesting attacking traits, but again, this guy isin't exactly 18 years old, and if he's going to break into our side, you'd expect significantly more from him next year. Gerry Armstrong thinks he's been amazing, so that says it all!

Sergi Roberto > 7.5: I prefer this guy to Rafinha, although different. I was impressed with him in a holding role, but unfortunately, he's got the best in the world to compete against. More intelligent than Rafinha, if a little less 'fancy.' I must say, has been my pick of our young players that we've seen this season. The question I pose is the usual one, how on earth do you break into our midfield though?

Messi > 10: Best player in the world, more complete than I've ever seen him, more mature than I've ever seen him, don't like his tattoos, but this guy has taken definition, and re-defined it on his own. I was really emotional for him that his 25/26 years weren't rewarded with the trophies they warranted, and that his hamstring decided to play games. I thought after the 2014 WC, he'd been hit with the lowest of lows, but the way the man has turned it around this year for not only himself, but for this team has been just breathtaking. I once heard a senior Napoli offical (can't remember his name) say that Messi can never be compared to Maradona because he has never taken Barca to heights like Maradona took Napoli, but this season is a fuck you to that view. Messi is the biggest reason we won a treble this year, no doubt. Neymar and Suarez are just complementary pieces to a much bigger puzzle.

Suarez > 9: I didn't want us to spend 70 million on a striker, when it seemed out defence needed sorting. However, hind-sight is a beautiful thing. He's been absolutely incredible for us, with an amazing amount of assists considering he missed a large chunk of the season. His self-less work and off the ball movement are crucial to our game, and unfortunately for Pedro, adds a balance to our team that will be impossible to beat. Has the clinical ability to smash them into the top corner where needed too.

Neymar > 9.5: Huge year for him, and has completely delivered. Still some rough edges and maturity is something I would still question, but his footballing ability can't be questioned. Naturally gifted, and has the ability to play our system to a tee. His relationship with Messi in terms of off the ball runs has been amazing to see, would like to see him improve this same relationship with Suarez however. The world's 2nd best player in 2014/2015 for me.

Pedro > 8: Might be a high rating, but the thing that has impressed me most about Pedro is how unselfish he has been every time he has been given a chance. The CL final pass to Neymar for 3-1 was an example of this. He cares first and foremost about the team, and his hard working attitude has to be respected. Must not be easy to be suddenly shunted out of the team for a 70 million Suarez, but he's handled it well. Would be terrific if he stays as back-up next year, but if he wants to leave, you can't blame him. Could easily go and tear up the BPL IMO.

Unzue > 10: I give this guy massive credit. From what I've heard from Balague, and also local Barcelona media/player interviews, he has been a huge reason we've looked so good defensively, and that has been worth a huge amount to us this season. Apparently he worked hard with our defence on set pieces defensively/offensively, and it showed this year. Huge respect!

Now, lets win everything next year too! Why not?