Dahoud returns to form in yet another Dortmund draw

Dortmund came into this fixture needing a minimum of 3 points to maintain their lead over 3rd placed Schalke. Here’s how their players rated in their 1-1 draw away to RB Leipzig…

Burki – 6

The Swiss shot-stopper didn’t have too many saves due to Leipzig’s lack of threat in front of goal. He did make an important reflex save late on in the game though, that kept the score at 1-all.

Piszczek – 6

Leipzig prevented Piszczek from advancing up the right flank whenever he had the ball because of their intense pressing. He had a good amount of touches throughout the game but wasn’t at able to link up well with Reus like he has in previous games.

Akanji – 6

The word modest would best describe Akanji’s performance on the night. He was rarely called into action but remained alert throughout the contest.

Toprak – 7

Passing, positioning and professionalism. It was in these three areas that the Turk displayed his excellence in throughout the game. He made several clever interceptions and played a couple key passes into advanced areas too. Yet another reliable performance from Omer Toprak.

Schmelzer – 6

Just like Piszczek, Schmelzer was under constant pressure, which decreased his attacking influence.

Weigl – 7

Controlled the midfield well whilst out of possession and had a good partnership with Dahoud throughout the match.

Reus – 7

Three games, three goals and another pivotal performance by Dortmund’s star man. He’d been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur all week but he managed to avoid such a distraction to make the difference for Dortmund yet again.

Gotze – 6

Was rarely seen on the ball an wasn’t afforded any time and space on the ball inside of Leipzig’s incredibly dense defensive structure.

Schurrle – 6

Just like last week’s game, Schurrle couldn’t make his explosive runs from deep because of how well the opponent defended. But with his skill set and reputation as an international player, he should’ve done more to affect the game in Dortmund’s favour.

Batshuayi – 6

Isolated. He was also guilty of missing a golden chance that could’ve put Dortmund two goals ahead. The Belgian’s form has been below-par as of late and he’ll need to return to his best ahead of Thursday’s Europa League tie against Red Bull Salzburg.

Subs:

Phillip – 6

Played a few good passes when he came on for Gotze but didn’t do much to affect the game from out wide. However, it was great to see him return from injury.

Pulisic – N/A

Didn’t play long enough to get a rating.

Man of the Match:

Dahoud – 7

It takes a special breed of player to hold his ground against a barrage of attacks, but that was exactly what Dahoud managed to do against Leipzig. Dortmund spent large periods of the game without the ball and it was key that they maintained their shape during these periods. Dahoud did well to thwart Leipzig’s attacks before they turned into goalscoring opportunities. He also had an incredible run into the Leipzig box before setting up Batshuayi, who missed the ball from 3-yards out. Because of his fantastic return to form, Mahmoud Dahoud wins this weeks Man of the Match award.