Player Ratings from Dortmund’s 2-0 win over Hamburger SV
Here is how Borussia Dortmund’s players rated in their victory over Hamburger SV:
Burki – 7
The Swiss no.1 was hardly tested throughout the match, making a grand total of 2 saves.
Piszcek – 8
‘Mr Dependable’ this time stepped it up a notch by preventing almost all Hamburger attacks that came down his flank. He was aggressive in his duels and displayed the form that every other defender will need to replicate come Thursday’s fixture against Atalanta.
Toprak – 8
If Lukasz Piszcek is ‘Mr Dependable’ then Omer Toprak is ‘Mr Underrated’. His excellent showing gave the team stability throughout the match and he set the perfect example for the debutant Manuel Akanji. Despite some dodgy positioning by the holding midfielders, he remained alert and intercepted several (almost)penetrating passes. His excellent ball distribution continued to play a key part in Dortmund’s build-up and he maintained his high pass accuracy yet again. An overall solid and mature performance by the Turk.
Akanji – 7
Ok. This one was tricky, but I’m gonna rate his performance as coldly as I can. Think of me as the Bundesliga’s Simon Cowell. Manuel Akanji’s first start for the club was impressive but expected. He displayed composure on the ball and it was great to see him dribble past Hamburger players from the back but that’s what we signed him for. 92% pass accuracy and 6 convincing tackles? Fantastic but it’s nothing new. Mats Hummels set the bar in that area. Clever positioning that thwarted opposition attacks even when they lacked numbers at the back? Ok, ok, ok… Let me change that 7 to an 8. Well done kid. We’ll see you in the next round.
Toljan – 7
Another decent performance by Marcel Schmelzer’s understudy who could soon make the position his own provided he adds more defensive security down the left flank.
Weigl – 7
Yet another fine display by Dortmund’s on-field conductor. He often lacked support from Kagawa, who’s attacking tendencies left Weigl vulnerable at times but he managed the midfield well for the most part of the match.
Kagawa – 6
Marco Reus’ return forced Peter Stoeger to adjust Kagawa’s position and although he made his presence felt in the first half, he couldn’t exert his influence on the game from such a deep position(CDM) with the added task of defending the midfield area to prevent counter-attacks. Disappointingly, he went off injured in the 62nd minute to cap off an unlucky day at the office.
Pulisic – 7
It was a bright and breezy return to form for the young(ster/star). He was energetic in defence and assisted the opener which allowed the team to play with more freedom once they had taken the lead.
Reus – 7
Watching Reus run with the ball was probably the highlight of the week across all European leagues this weekend(forget the Newcastle fans). The Dortmund captain had a quiet game but every time he did get on the ball he looked dangerous and made a few key passes as well. He even assisted Pulisic’s assist with a clever touch outside of the box. He came off for his mate Mario Gotze to a pretty moving standing ovation from the fans.
Batshuayi – 8
Dortmund’s new Batman yet again got the team off to a flying start with his second-half opener. Batshuayi’s relentless energy throughout all phases of the game is really great to watch and he caused the Hamburger backline a great deal of trouble throughout the match. He was unrelenting when it came to running the channels and holding up the ball in advanced areas. He displayed a high level of intensity whilst pressing and that further highlights his drive and determination to do his best every time he steps onto the field.
Subs:
Mahmoud Dahoud – 6
Had a brief but effective spell on the field in which he helped keep the midfield under control until Dortmund found the knockout blow provided by Gotze in the last minute.
Mario Gotze – 7
Gotze’s vigorous performance was probably inspired by his buddie’s return and it was just what the team needed. His lively cameo ended with a cool finish at the end too.
Gonzalo Castro – 6
Contributed little to the team once he came on but he helped see out the game whilst the team were on the backfoot in the dying minutes of the match.
Man of the Match:
Andre Schurrle – 8
Electric and uncompromising, effervescent yet efficient. Schurrle’s return to form has been perfectly timed, with crucial fixtures in the Bundesliga and on the continent coming Dortmund’s way. He powered past opposition players as often as he could and a beautiful slaloming run that ended with a deft through-ball allowed Mario Gotze to put the game to bed. It was an overall classy performance by the German international.
