Dortmund Vs Leverkusen: Player Grades

kobexielite 𝕯𝖎𝖌𝖎𝖙𝖆𝖑 𝕸𝖊𝖉𝖎𝖆

You need 3 min read

·

Post on Jan 11, 2025

37 visitor like this post

Share

Dortmund vs Leverkusen: Player Grades - A Tactical Breakdown

The Bundesliga clash between Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen always promises fireworks, and this match was no exception. While Dortmund ultimately emerged victorious, the performance wasn't without its flaws. Let's delve into a detailed analysis of individual player performances, assigning grades based on their contributions to the game.

Borussia Dortmund Player Grades

Erling Haaland (9/10): The undisputed star of the show. Haaland's clinical finishing and predatory instincts were on full display. His two goals, expertly taken, showcased his world-class ability. His movement was exceptional, constantly causing problems for the Leverkusen defense. While not heavily involved in build-up play, his impact in the final third was undeniable.

Jadon Sancho (7.5/10): Sancho provided a constant threat down the wing. His pace and dribbling skills were a handful for Leverkusen's defenders. While he didn't find the back of the net, his assists and key passes created several opportunities for his teammates. A more clinical finish would have boosted his score.

Jude Bellingham (8/10): Bellingham's energy and dynamism in midfield were pivotal to Dortmund's control of the game. He won crucial tackles, displayed excellent vision with his passing, and contributed significantly to both offensive and defensive transitions. A mature performance from a young talent.

Mats Hummels (7/10): Hummels provided the necessary leadership and experience at the heart of Dortmund's defense. He was composed on the ball, made crucial interceptions, and organized the backline effectively. While Leverkusen tested him at times, he largely dealt with the threat admirably.

Raphael Guerreiro (6.5/10): Guerreiro provided a solid defensive contribution but his offensive impact was limited in this game. His crosses lacked the usual precision, and his forays forward were less effective than in previous matches. A decent performance, but not one of his best.

Other Dortmund Players: The remaining players delivered generally solid performances, contributing to the team's overall success. Substitutions were effective, providing fresh legs and maintaining momentum.

Bayer Leverkusen Player Grades

Patrik Schick (6/10): Schick worked tirelessly upfront but lacked the service needed to truly test Dortmund's defense consistently. He showed glimpses of his class but was ultimately starved of clear-cut chances.

Kai Havertz (6.5/10): Havertz's creativity was evident, but his final ball was often lacking. He created some half-chances but couldn't quite unlock the Dortmund defense consistently. A more impactful performance would've elevated his grade.

Florian Wirtz (7/10): Wirtz was arguably Leverkusen's best performer. His tireless runs and clever movement caused Dortmund problems. His ability to find space and create opportunities was a bright spot for Leverkusen. He constantly pushed forward, threatening Dortmund's defense.

Lukas Hradecky (6.5/10): Hradecky made several important saves, preventing a heavier defeat for Leverkusen. He couldn't prevent Haaland's goals, but his performance showed resilience and competence.

Other Leverkusen Players: The rest of the Leverkusen players struggled to make a significant impact on the game. Their performance fell short of matching Dortmund's intensity and efficiency.

Tactical Analysis & Conclusion

Dortmund's victory was built on a solid defensive foundation and clinical finishing from Haaland. Leverkusen showed glimpses of their attacking potential but ultimately lacked the cutting edge needed to challenge Dortmund effectively. Dortmund's midfield dominance and efficient transitions proved decisive. The game highlighted the gulf in class between the two sides, despite Leverkusen's moments of brilliance. The player grades reflect individual contributions within the broader tactical context of the match.