Dortmund Players Rated from the 3-2 defeat against RB Leipzig
Here’s how Borussia Dortmund’s players fared in the 3-2 loss to RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga-
Burki- 6.5
Wasn’t at fault for any of the three goals, but could’ve probably done better for Sabitzer’s equaliser. Made some fine saves to keep his side in the game, particularly the one he made from Kevin-Jean Augustin in the first half. Had to stay off the line as the opposition’s high-pressing forced his teammates to make back-passes every now and then. This lead him to make an error as his pass for Weigl right after the break lead to an opposition goal.
Toljan- 3
Slotted in at right-back in Piszczek’s absence. Was pathetic as he was at fault for two of Leipzig’s goals. His inability to challenge Marcel Halstenberg in the air inside the box in the 11th minute ultimately led to Leipzig’s equaliser. And on top of that, he was embarrassed by Bruma twice as he set up the second goal. The defender was lucky to have lasted on the pitch for even 45 minutes.
Sokratis- 3
Not the first time that he’s been overly physical and made stupid challenges in the box. His tug on Augustin in the second half resulted in a penalty and him being sent off. It’s baffling though that this was the first penalty he gave away this season!
Toprak- 5.5
Was Dortmund’s best defender of the night, but this can’t be considered as too big a praise since most of his teammates in the back line were awful. Needs to replace the struggling Sokratis and should become the first choice CB pair alongside Bartra.
Zagadou- 5.5
Wasn’t too threatened in defence as Leipzig targeted Toljan but was decent in supporting the attack. It was his pass that ultimately led to Aubameyang winning the penalty and sent a couple of beautiful passes into the box which unfortunately led to nothing.
Castro- 6
Has underperformed in recent weeks and so it was a surprise to see him start ahead of Dahoud. However, he had a flawless game on Saturday night as he not only added steel to the midfield but also made some audacious forward passes in search of a killer move. Needs to become more consistent and put in such performances on a regular basis.
Sahin- 4.5
Was time and again overrun in the midfield and didn’t have his usual impact. Subbed off in the second half, although that was probably because of an elbow to the face as he signalled while coming off.
Gotze- 7.5
Dortmund’s best player on the pitch, and there’s no arguing that. Made some superb passes, with his lobbed pass for Aubameyang fluffed by the striker. Has worked on his fitness during the international break and it was evident here as he completed full 90 minutes. He’s certainly coming back to his best.
Yarmolenko- 7
Has been a consistent performer and was brilliant tonight as well. His audacious pass for Aubameyang sent the Gabonese one-on-one but it, unfortunately, came to nothing. The Ukranian has been one of Dortmund’s most consistent performers this season and has surprised many critics who thought that he wasn’t the type of player needed.
Philipp- 6
Didn’t have any major impact on the game and was subbed off after Sokratis’ red card.
Aubameyang- 7
Scored a brace but he also missed two very easy chances which proved costly in this very important fixture. Was unusually wasteful tonight.
SUBSTITUTES:
Weigl- 6
Didn’t have any impact on the game but that was mainly because the red card meant that they needed to defend more.
Pulisic- 6
Had a couple of runs which excited the fans but not much came out from his chances. Was given the task of tracking back and defending more in the latter stages of the game.
Bartra- 7
His introduction made a remarkable impact as the defence was much calmer and composed on the ball. Should’ve started ahead of Sokratis in the first place.
Subs Not Used– Weidenfeller, Isak, Dahoud, Kagawa.
