Player Ratings: Rampant Borussia Dortmund thrash Bayer Leverkusen

Borussia Dortmund came out firing in the top game of match day 31 and downed Bayer Leverkusen 4-0. This was the performance of the season thus far for the black and yellows.

When the line-ups were announced for Borussia Dortmund every fan and viewer knew this was going to be a fun one to watch. Stoger opted to leave out both Nuri Sahin and Marcel Schmelzer in favour of Julian Weigl and Manuel Akanji. With Andre Schurrle also missing through injury this opened up a spot for Jadon Sancho to get a start. What a game it was…

Here are the player ratings for the Borussia Dortmund players from the game.

Roman Burki  – 7

Roman Burki put in a solid performance when called upon. He wasn’t asked to do too much today, but when he was needed he was there.

Lukasz Piszczek – 6

Piszczek had a solid game up and down the right hand side. He was very involved offensively and also did a good job limiting Julian Brandt’s time on the ball. It’s difficult to keep a player with Brandt’s talent quiet all game but Piszczek handled him well.

Sokratis – 6

The Greek international had a good bounce back game after his performance against Schalke last week. No mental mistakes combined with his trademark aggression and 1v1 battling, Sokratis played well throughout the 90 minutes.

Omer Toprak – 7

Toprak was very solid defensively as well as on the ball. Largely relied on to help in the build up play due to his passing ability he had no problems breaking through the first line of Leverkusen’s press. Completely reliable over 90 minutes there weren’t any instances Toprak wasn’t in control of the back line.

Manuel Akanji – 8

Where did his pace come from?!? When Manuel Akanji was announced as the starting left back, few could have imagined him going toe to toe with Leon Bailey in foot races. However, he burned Bailey multiple times in the first half going forward and joining the attack to swing in crosses. He marked Bailey out of the game as the winger was taken off at half time. Akanji’s shining moment was his diagonal long ball to Jadon Sancho perfectly in stride in the 63rd minute. That play would result in Maximilian Philipp’s goal.

Julian Weigl – 7

Finally back in the starting XI, Weigl did what he does best. He controlled the midfield and settled the game down when needed. Although his consistency hasn’t been there this year he was back at his best in todays match. He is one of the most important pieces for Borussia Dortmund moving forward in the final 3 games to secure a Champions League spot.

Mario Gotze – 7

Another player back in the starting lineup who proved his worth in todays match. Gotze has been the brunt of a lot of questions and criticism recently, today’s match should silence all of that for a week (probably not though). Combining all over the field and a great assist on Marco Reus’ crucial first goal, Gotze showed his qualities once more.

Christian Pulisic – 7

Pulisic was withdrawn after 72 minutes in todays game but that wasn’t in any part due to his performance. He was near impossible to take off the ball today, tip toeing around defenders at will. Pulisic and Piszczek linked up great today to control the right side of the pitch. His pace was on full display once more in the first half as BVB launched counter attack after counter attack on the Leverkusen defence.

Jadon Sancho – 10

Today was Jadon Sancho’s game and everyone else was just living in it. Every single Dortmund chance today seemed to involve Jadon. The Englishman reinforced why he is so highly rated with todays performance. Starting things off with Dortmunds first goal and assisting two more, Sancho is the unquestionable man of the match.  His touch at full sprint to bring down the ball for his assist on Philipp’s goal was absolutely ridiculous. I hope to see Sancho starting in the next match.

Marco Reus – 9

Marco Reus’ game was almost entirely over shadowed by Jadon Sancho. Things didn’t start off well though, Reus had a goal called back for offside and then had his penalty saved not long after. However, he would not be denied his goal. Gotzeus combined early in the second half for Reus to round the keeper and find the back of the net. He scored once more on a free header in the 79th minute.

Maximilian Philip – 7

Although not an outright striker Maxi Philipp did well leading the line for Borussia Dortmund today. There are few players as clinical as Philipp in the Bundesliga, he rarely wastes chances and he dispatched his one look at goal with ease. Look for Philipp to start up front for Dortmund in their next match as well.

Subs:

Mo Dahoud – 6

Dahoud got some rest today as he was subbed in after 72 minutes. Dahoud has been one of the most consistent players for Dortmund in recent weeks and in his time on the pitch today he continued his form. On his 4th yellow card he will need to be careful as BVB close out the season as his next yellow will result in a suspension.

Jeremy Toljan – N/A

Sergio Gomez – N/A

3 games left for Borussia Dortmund to retain their place in the Champions League spots for next year.