Player Ratings: Fortuna Dusseldorf 2-1 Borussia Dortmund

Axel Witsel – 6/10

A very pedestrian performance from the BVB midfielder who has been sensational all year long. He didn’t stand out as he usually does but he was still one of the best players on the pitch for Dortmund (not that it’s much of an accomplishment today). He was closed down really well by Dusseldorf, and they did not allow him to play his natural game. Borussia Dortmund will need Witsel back at his best as they close out the first half of the season again Monchengladbach Friday.

Thomas Delaney – 5.5/10

Thomas Delaney has surpassed all expectations with his play this year but he simply should not be starting in these types of games.  He did exactly what was expected of him, bringing aggressiveness and making the safe simple pass the majority of the time. The games with deep sitting opponents where Dortmund dominate possession require a creative midfielder to orchestrate the BVB midfield. Not only to move the ball around but to be able to beat a defender or two with a dribble or pass to open up space on the pitch. Delaney is just not that type of player and expecting him to do that won’t lead to sustainable success. Mo Dahoud should have started this game alongside Witsel and the fact he wasn’t even included on the bench was a glaring mistake.