Player Ratings: Borussia Dortmund vs Augsburg

Borussia Dortmund vs Augsburg was a tale of two halves. The performance was a mix of slow-paced passing with a few counter attacks. An uninspiring Monday night turned sour as BVB walked away with just one point.

Roman Burki (4/10)

Burki will always make key saves, but he is not alone in defensive positions. The key block he made that lead to a goal against the home side is difficult to shake. For as good as Burki can be, he lacks control of the back four. Otherwise, it was a decent day for Burki.

Marcel Schmelzer (6/10)

The captain of Borussia Dortmund scored an exceptional goal against Atalanta last week and looked forward to a better game in the Bundesliga. Schmelzer was one of the better players for Borussia Dortmund on the night. He created chances and was key in the buildup.  Schmelzer disapproved of a late chance where Batshuayi stole a shot from the defender.

Omer Toprak (5/10)

Toprak and Sokratis is a great duo for BVB’s backline and they can be difficult to get past. Both Toprak and Sokratis found themselves out of position on several occasions. For an average day, Toprak’s dive near the end of the game is only another blemish on the team.

Sokratis (5/10)

Sokratis left the box open in the second half while attempting to guard two players. This miscommunication between the defense led to the equalizing goal. Sokratis is still one of the best defenders BVB has available. He is able to chase the opposition in the final third and never gives up on a good tackle.

Lukasz Piszczek (4/10)

In the first half, Piszczek missed several balls sent his way. His offensive contribution was just as bad. Piszczek needs rest; it is unwise to think he can keep going at top speed with consistency anymore. Most plays he attempted were stopped and he became worn down by the end of the match. This is one of his worst performances in recent memory.

Gonzalo Castro (2 /10)

Castro’s evening for Borussia Dortmund created little excitement. He was so uninvolved in the midfield, it almost seemed like he was nonexistent. Beyond his sub-par passing, Castro did not offer a lot on the pitch. He left for Dahoud in the second half.

Julian Weigl ( 4/10)

Weigl is a player that is integrated into Borussia Dortmund. When Weigl makes a mistake it tends to weigh heavier than other players. Weigl getting beat while in possession will always slow the team down. It is noticeable he didn’t play aggressively as he had in recent matches.

André Schurrle ( 5/10)

André Schurrle came away with a key pass at the beginning of the game as Marco Reus put the ball away off a rebound. Schurrle is giving defenses trouble since he became a steady fixture in the starting XI. Schurrle is neither able to finish his shots nor can he find the target, but he is working to create chances which is crucial to BVB’s attack.

Mario Gotze ( 5/10)

The first 45 minutes were great for the German International. He is just as responsible for the goal BVB scored as Reus and Schurrle were. Gotze continues to provide in the final third, yet there was no one who could finish those chances on the night. The midfielder is in form, but it was not enough to win the match.

Marco Reus ( 6/10)

Marco Reus is looking great since his return from injury. Reus has scored twice during this period and is once more the focal point of attack. The Germany International showed his class when he sought a rebound for his goal. Beyond his goal, he controlled a good part of the wing against Augsburg and will continue to share time with Pulisic.

Michy Batshuayi (4 /10)

Batshuayi started his time at Borussia Dortmund impressively. Batshuayi may rank higher than Alexander Isak on the squad list, but he failed to score when it mattered. It is a bit early to judge the Belgium International harshly; he has only got consistent play time recently. The last 10 minutes are probably his worst in the Black and Yellow.

Substitutes

Christian Pulisic (4 /10)

Pulisic as Reus’ rotation is the best scenario for both players. The 19-year-old will still get starts and minutes while Marco Reus continues to adjust as an active player again. Pulisic involved himself in the game during the last 15 minutes but was otherwise forgettable. The USA international is also aware of his poor form and hopefully, he will turn it around soon.

Mahmoud Dahoud ( 3/10)

Mahmoud Dahoud is less than stellar during his first season with Borussia Dortmund. Dahoud started the game slow; he didn’t make a lot of noise on the pitch. He came alive in the second half during the last 20 minutes. Dahoud will need to make a stronger impression when he gets minutes. His aggressiveness is surprising and inspiring but needs to be kept in check.