Player Ratings: How Borussia Dortmund stars fared at the World Cup

Seven Borussia Dortmund players represented their respective countries at the FIFA World Cup and now that they have all been eliminated, it’s time to take a look at how they performed on the world’s biggest stage.

Borussia Dortmund centre back Manuel Akanji enjoyed a great tournament and showed his potential on the with some strong performances for Switzerland. While experienced campaigners Lukasz Piszczek and Marco Reus made early exits from the World Cup.

Here are the player ratings for the Borussia Dortmund players from the tournament in Russia. Keep in mind that the ratings are for the individual players and not for their respective teams.

Raphael Guerreiro (5/10)

Guerreiro did not enjoy the best of times in Russia as he struggled for Portugal in their four matches, especially defensively. The Dortmund left back did not look fully fit and the opposition wingers were often able to get the better of him. Guerreiro was often a threat going forward though and it can be argued that Fernando Santos did not use him properly at the World Cup. He did get an assist against Uruguay in the round of 16, but other than that it was a campaign to forget for the 24 year old.

Thomas Delaney (6/10)

Delaney had a decent World Cup campaign with Denmark and put in some strong showings during his team’s surprise run to the round of 16. His best game came against Croatia in the first knockout round, where he dominated the midfield against the likes of Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic. Delaney even got an assist in that game, but unfortunately the Danes were eliminated via penalties.

Manuel Akanji (8/10)

Akanji was Dortmund’s best performer in Russia. The centre back led Switzerland’s defense expertly and showed just why he is so highly rated at Borussia Dortmund. Akanji dominated games against Brazil, Serbia and Sweden and gave the world a glimpse of his talents. The 22 year old showed great composure, pace, athleticism and strength throughout the tournament. He helped Switzerland get a credible draw against Brazil and a win against Serbia, which helped them qualify for the knockout rounds. An unlucky deflection off Akanji’s foot ended Switzerland’s campaign in the round of 16. But nonetheless, it was a campaign to be proud of for Manuel Akanji, who will now be raring to go again for Borussia Dortmund.

Roman Burki (N/A)

Burki was an unused substitute in all four of Switzerland’s games as they went with Gladbach goalkeeper Yann Sommer.

Marco Reus (7/10)

Reus’ bad luck at international tournaments continued in Russia as Germany bowed out in the group stages. The defending champions were far from their absolute best and deserved their early exit. But Reus personally put on a good showing at his first World Cup. Germany scored two goals in Russia and Reus had a hand in both of them, scoring one and assisting the others. While he was let down by his teammates, Reus’ early exit is good news for Dortmund fans. Here’s why.

Shinji Kagawa (7/10)

Kagawa’s performances at the World Cup reminded us all of his first spell at Borussia Dortmund. The Japan playmaker impressed in all three games he played in and got a goal and an assist for his efforts. Kagawa and Japan nearly knocked heavyweights Belgium out of the World Cup when they took a 2-0 lead against them in their round of 16 tie, before Belgium came back to win the game in the final minute. Despite that, Kagawa enjoyed a superb World Cup campaign and Borussia Dortmund fans will be looking forward to seeing more of the same from him next season.

Next: Borussia Dortmund’s ideal XI for next season

Lukasz Piszczek (5/10)

Piszczek only appeared twice for Poland in their disappointing World Cup campaign and the Poles lost both those games. The 33 year old played as a right back in the first game, but then lined up as the right sided centre back against Colombia, a game Poland lost 3-0.