Dortmund Players Rated from the 3-1 defeat to Tottenham in the Champions League

Here’s how the Borussia Dortmund players fared in the 3-1 loss to Tottenham in their first game of the 2017-18 Champions League

Burki – 4

Shambolic performance from the Dortmund keeper, who conceded three goals and was expected to do better for all three goals. He was beaten twice on the near post by both Son and Kane, and could’ve either been better positioned or shown better reflexes. Burki is no doubt an amazing keeper, but he needs to up his game and be consistent week in, week out. Usurping a player of Weidenfeller’s calibre isn’t an easy task, so it’s clear that Burki does have what is needed to represent a club of Dortmund’s stature.

Piszczek – 4

Another major disappointment who was at fault for the first two goals. He didn’t contribute much in attack and looked off pace, struggling to contain Son time and again.

Sokratis – 5

The stand-in captain didn’t have a good game as well. He didn’t do anything particularly wrong but since football isn’t an individual’s game, he couldn’t do anything on his own. He did display maturity and leadership skills but couldn’t inspire his teammates.

Toprak – 4

Drafted into the playing eleven in place of the injured Marc Bartra. Didn’t offer anything in attack even when his team, especially the back line, maintained possession for a long period. Wasn’t solid in defending too and struggled with the pace and aggression of Kane and Alli.

Toljan – 6.5

Many were expecting Zagadou to fill in for Schmelzer at left-back but Bosz’s decision to give the 23 year old surprised the faithful. And he repaid his manager’s belief by putting in a solid display. His pacey runs did lack good endings, but he did spark counter-attacks at the very least. With Schmelzer out for a long time and Piszczek out of form, Toljan has a great chance to cement a place in the first team squad.

Sahin – 4.5

Poor performance by his standards this season. Made absolutely ZERO tackles and ZERO interceptions. Shocking stat for a player of his calibre, right? Has had a good start to the season but this was one of his worst displays in a yellow shirt.

Dahoud – 4

Another surprise by Bosz to overlook Gotze for a young midfielder, but it backfired this time. Didn’t make any costly mistakes but didn’t do anything good either. Was replaced by Castro in the second half.

Kagawa – 5.5

Was one of the few players who shone in a disastrous team effort. Assisted Yarmolenko’s goal and also made some good forward passes, which unfortunately weren’t converted by his teammates. Came off after the break for Gotze.

Yarmolenko – 6

His first start for his club ended in his first goal. Looked really good in the final third but could’ve been better had his teammates created better chances. Looks like a steal at €10m, and could play a crucial role this season.

Pulisic – 6

Was Dortmund’s most lively player in the first half. His mazy runs and pace gave Tottenham a headache, and were it not for an impressive debut by Aurier, the young winger could well have made an assist or two.

Aubameyang – 6

Didn’t score for the second game running. However, he wasn’t as poor as most of his teammates. Just required better service against a solid three-man defence. Even scored a goal, which was later flagged offside.

SUBSTITUTES

Gotze – 5

Replaced Kagawa to provide something special in attack, but failed to get a grip on the match. Looked confident and composed in possession, but was overrun in midfield at times.

Castro – 4.5

Was poor after coming on, but didn’t show anything to prove that he deserved to start. Was out of pace and many passes went astray. Was better in the final few minutes but by then the damage had been done.

Zagadou – NA

Came on with less than ten minutes remaining and didn’t see much of the ball.