Ranking Barcelona's 5 best players against Atletico Madrid | La Liga 2021-22

#3 Jordi Alba

FC Barcelona v RCD Espanyol - La Liga Santander

Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba produced one of his best performances of the season to help his side to a 4-2 win over Atletico Madrid.

The Spaniard, who is known for his inventive forward runs, scored his side’s first goal just a couple of minutes after Atletico took the lead.

In the 10th minute, right-back Dani Alves found Alba in space down the left flank and delivered an inch-perfect cross. Instead of taking a touch, the left-back volleyed the ball first time, scoring one of La Liga's best goals of the season in the process.

The Spaniard continued to make inroads into the final third and provided two key passes over the course of the match. He also made one interception, attempted a tackle, and was dribbled past only once.

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#2 Gavi

FC Barcelona v RCD Espanyol - La Liga Santander

17-year-old Barcelona midfielder Gavi is one of the most highly-rated teenagers in the world. The academy graduate excels as a central midfielder but is also comfortable playing further up the pitch.

On Sunday, he started the match on the left wing and made a tangible impact on the outcome of the game.

The teen sensation was spot on with his distribution and helped his side control the tempo of the match. He also proved his positional awareness by scoring a header to give Barca the lead in the 21st minute.

The Spain international latched on to Adama Traore’s high-cross from the byline and headed it towards goal. His effort took a deflection on its way to nestling into the back of the net.

Gavi also won six duels, drew two fouls, and registered 36 accurate passes.

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#1 Adama Traore

FC Barcelona v Club Atletico de Madrid - La Liga Santander

Barcelona, who signed Adama Traore and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the final week of January, had the opportunity to show them to the world.

While the former Arsenal striker was not deemed ready to start the game, Traore featured in Xavi's starting XI.

The La Masia graduate was exceptional with the ball at his feet. He used his pace and footwork to perfection to make Atletico left-back Mario Hermoso’s life miserable.

The Spanish international went past Hermoso without breaking a sweat in the 21st minute and provided an inch-perfect cross for Gavi to head home. Encouraged by his assist, Traore kept coming at Atletico, not allowing them a moment of peace.

Despite getting the better of Hermoso with ease, Traore rarely tried to have a go at goal all by himself. His gameplay was unselfish and helped his teammates get into the game.

Xavi would probably instruct him to shoot more but he can’t help but be impressed with the winger’s explosive debut.