Player Ratings: Uninspired Borussia Dortmund stunned by Mainz 05
By Tushar Bahl
Borussia Dortmund suffered an embarrassing 2-1 defeat at home to Mainz. However their spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League is all but secured after Leverkusen’s 0-0 draw.
Dortmund were poor from the get go as Mainz took advantage by scoring two early goals. While Maximilian Philipp netted immediately after, Borussia Dortmund failed to conjure up an equalizer. It was yet another lethargic and uninspired display by the black and yellows, who looked out of ideas and clueless at times in their new kit. Jadon Sancho was the only bright spark in an otherwise dim performance by Dortmund.
Here are the player ratings for the Borussia Dortmund players from the game.
Roman Burki (5/10)
Did not really stand a chance with the opening goal, but could have done a better job to prevent the second one. Came off his line too early and found himself in no man’s land. Made a few good saves to make up for his error later on.
Lukasz Piszczek (6/10)
Gbamin twisted and turned past Piszczek before providing the assist for Baku just four minutes in. But the Poland international got better as the game went on and worked hard despite his teammates’ sloppiness in possession.
Omer Toprak (5/10)
Was arguably at fault for Mainz’ second goal as he failed to track Muto’s run. Went off injured late in the first half. Unlikely to be fit in time for next week.
Sokratis (5/10)
His defending was sloppy and over aggressive at times. His yellow card means that he is suspended for next week’s game against Hoffengeim. May have played his final game in Dortmund colors.
Manuel Akanji (6/10)
Akanji’s long ball to find Jadon Sancho for Dortmund’s goal further showed his impressive passing range. The Swiss international was solid at the back once again, but failed to have as much of an impact going forward. Had to be switched to centre back late in the first half.
Julian Weigl (6/10)
Weigl had a decent game and once again he showed that he can be the “evil” player Borussia Dortmund are looking for. Unfortunately, those in front of him were rather tame.
Mario Gotze (6/10)
Gotze had another decent game before he was surprisingly taken off for Andriy Yarmolenko. Seems to be doing really well in his new position, and he will be hoping that his performances can earn him a spot in Germany’s team for the World Cup.
Christian Pulisic (4/10)
The American international was easily tamed by the Mainz defense and nothing seemed to be working for him. Some of his decision making was debatable. The performance perfectly summed up what has been a frustrating season for Pulisic. Perhaps, Dortmund will now think twice before rejecting any potential suitors in the summer.
Marco Reus (4/10)
Just like Pulisic, nothing seemed to be coming off for Marco Reus. While he worked hard and gave it his all, it was arguably his worst display of the season. Looked to be on the edge throughout the game and was booked in the second half.
Jadon Sancho (7/10)
The young Englishman was Borussia Dortmund’s lone bright spark throughout the game. His dribbling and directness caused havoc to the Mainz defense. His assist for Philipp’s consolation goal was a piece of real quality. Sancho dribbled and turned past the hapless defender before finding Philipp, who finished expertly.
Maximilian Philipp (5/10)
His goal was a well taken finish and further showed his immense talent. However, he was largely anonymous other than that in his free role.
Substitutes
Marcel Schmelzer (6/10)
Came on in the 37th minute after Omer Toprak had to go off injured. Schmelzer was decent and did not make any errors. But the Dortmund skipper failed to put in a performance that would have helped him earn his spot back. It’s unlikely that he will get too many opportunities to start next season.
Next: Four areas that need improving for Borussia Dortmund
Andre Schurrle (4/10)
No one quite knows how Andre Schurrle keeps getting game time week in, week out. Failed to provide any sort of spark after coming on in the second half. Just like last week, his touches and crosses were either too week or too heavy. Needs to be sold in the summer.
Andriy Yarmolenko (N/R)
Just like Schurrle, Yarmolenko also failed to make a difference when he came on to replace Mario Gotze. Will be interesting to see if the BVB bosses decide to stick with him next season.