Dortmund Players Rated from the 2-1 loss to VfB Stuttgart

Here’s how the Borussia Dortmund players fared in the 2-1 loss to VfB Stuttgart in the Bundesliga this weekend-

Roman Burki- 4.5

Came rushing out when Bartra had the ball inside his own penalty area, and somehow failed to control the subsequent back pass as the hosts had an empty net to score into. Wasn’t at fault for the second goal, but could surely have done better.

It’s frustrating to see a goalkeeper of his calibre being so inconsistent, and Bosz definitely needs to sign another stopper in January so as to intensify the competition for the first team spot.

Jeremy Toljan- 6.5

Started at right-back and was Dortmund’s best player on the field in the first half. Provided a decent attacking outlet down the right and was solid enough in defence.

Surprising how well he played given that this was his first game since that horror show against RB Leipzig last month.

Sokratis Papastathopoulos- 5.5

Was having a decent game before he was forced off after Daniel Ginczek’s knee struck him in the ribs, and had an abrupt end for the second game in a row. Fans would be hoping that his injury isn’t too serious.

Marc Bartra- 2.5

Horrorshow by the Spaniard, whose over hit pass after just four minutes could not be controlled by Burki and as a result, Chadrac Akolo simply walked it into the net. He then had another poor moment as he decided to take on defenders himself, and lost the ball in the midfield which led to Stuttgart’s second of the night. Nightmarish performance from the centre-back.

Marcel Schmelzer- 4

It was surprising to see him on the team sheet, particularly after Guerreiro’s return, and his performance did nothing to justify his start. Made many sloppy passes and lost possession on more than one occasion. Failed to track back for the second goal as well, and his post-match comments that “Dortmund were in the right direction, despite the defeat”, added fuel to the fire.

Julian Weigl- 4.5

Was solid in the first half but faded after the break. Has been time and again played out of position and this time it was no different. Bosz needs to stop playing him at the heart of the defence as he’s better when protecting his back line. He’s a defensive midfielder, after all!

Mario Gotze- 7.5

Let down by his teammates, who couldn’t match his level. The midfielder was superb at times but was frustrated because of a lack of options ahead of him.

Shinji Kagawa- 5

Was better than most of his teammates, but could not manage the “killer pass” as he suffered in the absence of Aubameyang, who could’ve easily scored a couple goals today.

Andriy Yarmolenko- 5

Was decent in the first half, but failed to help his side in scoring a goal. His goal in the second half was ruled out for handball. Looked ambitious but lost almost all of his take-ons.

Maximilian Philipp- 5.5

Superbly levelled the scores after Schurrle’s missed penalty, but just like most of his teammates, he was invisible after the break.

Andre Schurrle- 5

Played as a false 9, and after a decent first half, faded in the second half. Saw his penalty saved by Ron-Robert Zieler, and was replaced by Guerreiro with ten minutes remaining.

SUBSTITUTES

Dan-Axel Zagadou- 5

Was strong and won a lot of aerial duels, but struggled because of his teammates.

Mahmoud Dahoud- 4

Lacked match fitness, and so he looked off the pace.

Raphael Guerreiro- NA

Came on too late to make an impact.

Subs Not Used- Weidenfeller, Sahin, Castro.