Player Ratings: Wasteful Borussia Dortmund held by Werder Bremen

Borussia Dortmund could not capitalize on the chances they had in the second half against a discipline Werder Bremen side, led by their inspired goalkeeper. The draw sees them move four points ahead of fifth place, and they are a step closer to playing Champions League football next season.

Peter Stöger opted to go with the same starting lineup that thrashed Bayer Leverkusen at home last weekend. The lineup was effective on the offensive side of the ball by delivering clever passes and making good runs that opened spaces for Borussia Dortmund. In addition, it was good to see Andre Schürrle, Shinji Kagawa and Andriy Yarmolenko as bench options, as all three are coming back from injuries.

Here are the player ratings for Borussia Dortmund from their 1-2 draw with Bremen.

Roman Bürki (7/10)

Bürki made some nice saves today to keep Borussia Dortmund to only giving up one goal. The one goal he gave up was off a rebound, and it was perfectly looped over his head.

Łukasz Piszczek (6/10)

Piszczek played well most of the game and was even a factor when the black and yellows were attacking. He almost scored when Marco Reus played a clever back heel to him in the box, but the shot was blocked.

Ömer Toprak (7/10)

The Turkish international won many fifty-fifty balls and was solid for Borussia Dortmund in the back. He has provided the black and yellows stability in the back lately, and he should continue to start for the rest of the season.

Sokratis Papastathopoulos (6/10)

Sokratis was aggressive all game, and his one high challenge landed him a yellow card. Enjoy the last few matches of seeing Sokratis in a yellow shirt, because he could be gone next season.

Manuel Akanji (8/10)

Akanji is selling Borussia Dortmund fans on why he should replace Marcel Schmelzer as the club’s starting left back. He played solid on defense and played a role on the offensive side of the ball as well. He almost scored on a shot inside the box, but the keeper tipped it to only hit the bar and go out of play.

Julian Weigl (6/10)

Weigl was not at as best today and he turned the ball over a few times in important parts of the field. He did not create much for the black and yellows, but look for him to bounce back next week.

Marco Reus (8/10)

Reus continued his run of great form by scoring on a half volley to give Borussia Dortmund the lead in the nineteenth minute. He made great runs and created chances all game. Reus did miss on two crucial chances though, and it came back to bite the black and yellows on the opportunity to clinch three points. Look for Reus to keep playing great football, as he will want to prove to the German national team that he deserves to be on the plane to Russia for the World Cup.

Mario Götze (8/10)

Götze was crucial in the buildup for Borussia Dortmund all game. He played several clever balls into dangerous areas. On the goal that Marco Reus scored, Götze switched the field to Piszczek, which then led to Piszczek crossing it into a dangerous area, and Reus scoring.

Jadon Sancho (7/10)

Sancho is proving that he is first team quality. He was not as productive as last match, but that is expected for young players, as it is hard to find consistency. He played a wonderful ball in for Andre Schürrle, but the keeper came up with a great save off the header. His tricks and flicks made him a huge threat for the Bremen defense.

Christian Pulisic (6/10)

Pulisic was not his usual self today, and he did not provide much for Borussia Dortmund. He was taken off after sixty-one minutes after not showing his normal cleverness.

Maximillian Philipp (5/10)

Philipp was quiet most of the game, but he had a great shot that sailed too high before he came off. He has provided quality moments for Borussia Dortmund, but he must find a way to be more consistent.

Substitutes

Andre Schürrle (6/10)

Schürrle missed two key opportunities late in the second half. He missed on a header and on a shot at the top of the box. He was in the right places, but he could not take advantage of his scoring opportunities.

Next: Match report: Borussia Dortmund held by Werder Bremen

Andriy Yarmolenko (N/A)

The Ukrainian international made an appearance after his long absence due to injury. It was good to see him back on the pitch. Expect to see him get more minutes as he gets fit.