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#3 Frenkie de Jong
Frenkie de Jong took some time to settle in with Barcelona after his transfer from Ajax in 2019. But he's now grown into an important figure in the squad and showed that once again on Sunday.
The Dutchman was a reckoning force in midfield. He got the ball forward with his precocious dribbling skills which left the Sociedad players on tenterhooks, and laid off passes with the precision of a surgical knife.
In fact, he completed all 30 of his passes, registering a whopping 100% success rate, and created three chances on the night too, including an assist for Martin Braithwaite with a superb cross.
It was a phenomenal game from the 24-year-old, who displayed encouraging drive, versatility and hunger on the field as he continues to take his game to new heights.
#2 Gerard Pique
Barcelona's new vice-captain has been in the news lately for his off-field heroics, as his tale of taking a salary cut to help the club register three new players has garnered widespread acclaim.
Gerard Pique, now in his 14th season at Barcelona, inspired a few other senior players in the squad to follow suit and the results paid dividends on the field in their first league match of the season.
The Blaugrana cruised past Real Socidad 4-2 on Sunday and, rather ironically, the first goal came from Pique himself. He perfectly latched onto a wonderful free-kick delivery from new signing Memphis Depay.
It not only set the tone for the home side for the rest of the night, but also inspired the 34-year-old veteran to turn in a vintage performance in defense, playing the ball out effectively and demonstrating his experience against rival forwards.
Barcelona's hero on and off the field.
#1 Martin Braithwaite
Memphis Depay started as Barcelona's striker in their first game of the post-Lionel Messi era, but the goals came from striker-cum-winger Martin Braithwaite, who bagged a brace.
The Dane is often mocked for his still ridiculous transfer from Leganes, but deserves a lot of respect for how much he contributes on the field, as exemplified once again on Sunday.
Braithwaite was sensational in every regard, moving fluidly between the flanks and positioning himself perfectly inside the box to score both his goals, like a true predator.
His first was a fine header off Frenkie de Jong's cross, before latching onto a loose ball, sending a powerful shot into the bottom corner and then assisting Sergi Roberto in stoppage-time to cap off a memorable return to action.
Barcelona's attacking options even without Messi are huge and Braithwaite sent a clear message that he's ready to fight for his place in Barcelona's starting XI.
