Player Ratings from Dortmund’s 3-2 win over FC Cologne
Here is how Borussia Dortmund’s players rated in their victory over The Billy Goats:
Burki – 6
Roman Burki’s form is becoming a huge worry for the Black and Yellow’s. He parried a save straight into Zoller for Cologne’s first goal and organised the defence poorly during a corner for Mere’s equalizer. With the way the team plays, Burki only gets called into action four or five times per game. If he is unable to maintain his concentration throughout the game, the team will find itself losing marginally to better, more clinical opposition.
Piszcek – 7
The captain maintained his usual form. He was solid down the right flank and was always available to provide width down the right flank.
Sokratis – 7
Had a decent defensive performance but his leadership qualities were put to the to the test. Dortmund were caught out of position on the break several times throughout the match. If he can’t communicate with the midfield and get them to work as a unit in defence, who will?
Toprak – 7
Another good performance by the Turk.
Toljan – 6
Toljan’s performance was rather contrasting on the night. He attacked excellently, especially during the first half, and provided an assist for Batshuayi(and had another one ruled out for offside). In defence, however, he was positioned poorly for most parts of the game and Cologne identified this area as one in which they could exploit Dortmund.
Weigl – 6
Carried out his duties well but had an unspectacular game overall.
Dahoud – 6
Got his first start since early December and his lack of match fitness was evident. He struggled to put his stamp on the game and was replaced by a more dynamic Guerreiro in the 63rd.
Kagawa – 7
Yet another focused performance by the ever reliable Japanese star. Played a crucial part in the build-up and had 91% pass accuracy.
Pulisic – 7
Another relatively quiet game by the American. He struggled to hit top form and lacked the spark that he usually provides against tough defences.
Schurrle – 8
Andre Schurrle finally put in the top-notch display we all know he is capable of. From the first whistle to the last, he drove at Cologne’s defence time after time and he got the all-important winner late on. Dortmund’s wingers are crucial to the team’s system and in the last few games they simply haven’t stepped up to the plate (bar Sancho). So it was up to one of their wide men to make the difference and Schurrle managed to provide it.
Subs:
Guerreiro – 6
Performed his role well when he came on.
Sancho – 6
Replaced Pulisic with 20 minutes to go and started the move that ended up with Schurrle’s winner.
Akanji –
Didn’t play enough minutes to be rated.
Man of the Match:
Michy Batshuayi – 9
2 goals(another ruled offside), 1 assist and plenty of promise. The Belgian is young, energetic and came to the Bundesliga with a point to prove. Friday’s game certainly allowed him to flourish and his clinical finishing is exactly what the team needed. If he can continue to display his determination, the fans will also get right behind him. In Dortmund, he will take on more responsibility and at this stage of his career, it is exactly what he needs to become a world-class striker.
