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Player Ratings: Batshuayi winner helps Borussia Dortmund see off Hannover 96

By Tushar Bahl

DORTMUND, GERMANY - MARCH 18: Michy Batshuayi of Borussia Dortmund celebrates scoring the opening goal with his team mates during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and Hannover 96 at the Signal Iduna Park on March 18, 2018 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Alexandre Simoes/Borussia Dortmund/Getty Images)
DORTMUND, GERMANY - MARCH 18: Michy Batshuayi of Borussia Dortmund celebrates scoring the opening goal with his team mates during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and Hannover 96 at the Signal Iduna Park on March 18, 2018 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Alexandre Simoes/Borussia Dortmund/Getty Images) /
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Michy Batshuayi scored the winner as Borussia Dortmund beat Hannover 96 1-0 to get back to winning ways.

Borussia Dortmund dominated the game for large periods, and while the game was scrappy at times, Der BVB dug in to earn a priceless win. Here are the player ratings for the men in Black and Yellow.

Roman Burki (6/10)

Burki had a very comfortable afternoon as Hannover failed to cause Borussia Dortmund too many problems. Dealt with whatever they threw at him very with ease.

Lukas Piszczek (6/10)

A good performance by the Poland international, after his midweek nightmare against Salzburg. Looked to get forward as often as possible and was much more sound defensively.

Manuel Akanji (8/10)

Manuel Akanji dominated the defense brilliantly (Photo by Alexandre Simoes/Borussia Dortmund/Getty Images)
Manuel Akanji dominated the defense brilliantly (Photo by Alexandre Simoes/Borussia Dortmund/Getty Images) /

Akanji put in his best perfomance in a Borussia Dortmund shirt so far as he dominated the defense and did not let Hannover pass. Was arguably Dortmund’s man of the match and his display will be an encouraging sign for him, as he looks to make that starting spot his own.

Omar Toprak (6/10)

Had a decent game but wasn’t really tested too much as Borussia Dortmund dominated the first half. He got injured towards the end of the first half and was replaced by Sokratis at half time.

Marcel Schmelzer (6/10)

The Dortmund captain had a decent game and caused a few problems going forward. His cross nearly found its way into the back of the net, but the goalkeeper was alert. A much more comfortable game for him after that horror show on Thursday.

Gonzalo Castro (6/10)

His intention was to go forward whenever he had the ball. And Castro had a decent game, dominating the midfield for large intervals before he was replaced by Julian Weigl in the second half.

Mahmoud Dahoud (8/10)

Dahoud came close to scoring thrice (Photo by Alexandre Simoes/Borussia Dortmund/Getty Images)
Dahoud came close to scoring thrice (Photo by Alexandre Simoes/Borussia Dortmund/Getty Images) /

The young midfielder just keeps getting better with every game. Dahoud had a good game and constantly caused problems with his extensive passing range. Also came close to scoring thrice with long shots in the second half.

Christian Pulisic (6/10)

Pulisic was full of tricks and flicks as he looked to cause havoc down the right wing. It was a decent display by the teenager. Was replaced by Maximilian Philipp in the second half.

Mario Götze (6/10)

Spent most of the game chasing through balls as he looked go get behind the Hannover defense. His lack of pace and physicality make him a liability in the role of a shadow striker. Still performed much better than he did on Thursday.

Andre Schurrle (7/10)

A much better performance by Schürrle, who caused Hannover plenty of problems with his crosses and runs. Created the first chance inside 30 seconds, unfortunately Batshuayi could only hit the post. Assisted Batshuayi’s winner. That perfomance will do well for his confidence after some poor recent displays.

DORTMUND, GERMANY – MARCH 18: Michy Batshuayi of Borussia Dortmund celebrates scoring the opening goal with his team mates during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and Hannover 96 at the Signal Iduna Park on March 18, 2018 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Alexandre Simoes/Borussia Dortmund/Getty Images)
DORTMUND, GERMANY – MARCH 18: Michy Batshuayi of Borussia Dortmund celebrates scoring the opening goal with his team mates during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and Hannover 96 at the Signal Iduna Park on March 18, 2018 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Alexandre Simoes/Borussia Dortmund/Getty Images) /

Michy Batshuayi (7/10)

Hit the post just thirty seconds into the game. Then scored a brilliant flick from a very tight angle to give Borussia Dortmund the lead. Once again proved his importance to the team with a selfless performance. Should have doubled his tally in the 35th minute, but he failed to react quickly in the 6 yard box and probably thought he was offside. Also had a free header in the 85th minute, but he headed it straight at the goalkeeper. In the end it didn’t matter however, as his superb goal turned out to be the winner for Borussia Dortmund.

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Substitutes

Sokratis (6/10)

Was dropped after a poor performance on Thursday. But he dealt with whatever Hannover threw his way in the second half after replacing Toprak at half time.

Julian Weigl (6/10)

Started on the bench for the second game running. Did alright when he came on. But it’s clear that his confidence is low after recent displays.

Maximilian Philipp (6/10)

Replaced Christian Pulisic late in the second half and nearly scored the winner from Batshuayi’s flick. But his effort struck the post. Will be hoping to get back into the starting lineup soon.

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