Player ratings: Borussia Dortmund's defense exposed again

Borussia Dortmund suffered another damaging defeat that could potentially see them drop to seventh in the league table, as VFB Stuttgart beat them 2-1.

Der BVB came into the game, desperately needing a win. And if it wasn’t a crisis before kick-off, it is definitely a crisis now. Borussia Dortmund have only won one of their last eight games (against third division side Magdeburg), and they are descending into chaos.

Peter Bosz’ side were without Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (who was suspended by the club), and Christian Pulisic (who was out with muscular problems). And once again their defensive frailties were exposed, as Stuttgart took full advantage.

Here are the player ratings from another horror show from Dortmund.

Roman Burki (4/10)

Not sure why he came out rushing when Marc Bartra had the ball inside their own penalty area. He failed to control the Spaniard’s back-pass and Stuttgart had an empty net to score into. Probably should have done better with the second goal as well. Making far too many errors for a Dortmund number 1.

Jeremy Toljan (6/10)

Had a solid game at right-back as he made his return after his horror show against Leipzig last month. Was a threat going forward and defended well on his side. Will be hoping to get more opportunities in the next few games.

Sokratis Papastathopoulos (6/10)

Went off injured for the second game in a row, this time at half-time, after a rib injury. Had a decent game otherwise and Dortmund fans will be hoping his injury is not too serious.

Marc Bartra (2/10)

It feels like Dortmund defenders are taking turns to put in disastrous displays. This time it was Bartra’s turn. Playing in his favorite central defensive position for the first time in a while, the Spaniard just took four minutes to let his team down. His over-hit back-pass could not be controlled by Burki as Stuttgart took full advantage. Started to push forward and play in the midfield in the second half, as he often does, and Dortmund paid the price once again. An atrocious performance.

Marcel Schmelzer (4/10)

If his performance wasn’t enough to frustrate Dortmund fans, his post-match comments certainly were, when he said that the team took a step “in the right direction” despite the defeat. On the pitch, he was awful. Made some very sloppy passes and failed to track back for the second goal. Has clearly lost a step and should have already been replaced by the much better Raphael Guerreiro.

Julian Weigl (3/10)

The young German is another player who is enduring a miserable time under Peter Bosz. He has been utilized poorly and it was visible once again in last night’s defeat. He is a defensive midfielder and he should be played in that role. Or Dortmund could risk losing him next summer.

Shinji Kagawa (5/10)

Has been one of the most consistent players for Borussia Dortmund this season. And Kagawa had a decent game last night. But he failed to provide that killer blow. Perhaps, with a recognized striker in the team, he would have had a better impact.

Mario Gotze (7/10)

Gotze produced another excellent performance, especially in the first half. Made Dortmund tick from the middle of the park as he bossed the game. But once again, he was let down by his teammates, who struggled again.

Andriy Yarmolenko (5/10)

The Ukrainian has been all flash and no substance this season. And once again, he failed to make a difference. Yarmolenko was decent at times, with some good skills and runs. Had a goal ruled out for handball in the second half. Dortmund needed him to make a difference in the absence of Pulisic and Aubameyang, but he failed to do so.

Andre Schurrle (5/10)

The German played as a false 9 and often dropped deep to get on the ball and distribute play, especially in the first half. His penalty was saved before Maximilian Philipp lashed home the rebound. Spent the second half in the shadow of Holger Badstuber of all people. Was replaced by Raphael Guerreiro with ten minutes to go.

Maximilian Philipp (5/10)

Leveled the scores late in the first half, after he excellently followed up and smashed the ball home after Schurrle’s missed penalty. Made some decent runs in the first half, but just like his teammates, he went missing in the second 45.

Substitutes

Dan-Axel Zagadou (5/10)

The 18-year old is possibly Borussia Dortmund’s best defender at the moment. Came on at half time and Marc Bartra’s mistake ended up with him getting nutmegged by Josip Brekalo’s shot in the 51st minute. Showed his physicality and strength and won a lot of aerial duels as well.

Mahmoud Dahoud (3/10)

Came on to replace Shinji Kagawa in the 62nd minute with his side already behind. Had a few turnovers, leading to counter-attacks and failed to provide the spark fans hoped he would. Would be unfair to judge him though, as he has hardly featured in September and was lacking match fitness.

Raphael Guerreiro (N/R)

Came on with 10 minutes to go and Borussia Dortmund had already lost their steam by then. Failed to make any impact as the match ended with a whimper.

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Player ratings: Borussia Dortmund’s defense exposed again

By Tushar Bahl | Nov 18, 2017