Borussia Dortmund 2021/22 hinrunde player ratings: Goalkeepers and Defenders
By Tushar Bahl
Manuel Akanji (7.5/10)
Borussia Dortmund’s defensive struggles have been well documented in recent months. But despite some calamitous defending from the team, one player stood out and established himself as a leader in the team. Manuel Akanji showed over the course of the hinrunde that he is one of the most important players for Marco Rose’s side.
Akanji led the defence well and held it together on his own at times, especially when Mats Hummels was sidelined with his injury. In addition to his strong and robust defending, the Swiss international also played a crucial role in Dortmund’s build-up play with his intelligent forward passes.
Akanji showed just how important he is to Borussia Dortmund over the first half of the season. And fans will be hoping that he stays at the club for years to come.
Mats Hummels (4.5/10)
While Akanji took plenty of forward strides, Hummels looked like a shadow of his former self for large parts of the hinrunde. He struggled with a patellar tendon injury during the early months of the season. And when he did recover, he looked too slow at times. His struggles came to the fore in the game against Bayern, as he had an evening to forget against his former club. The 33 year old also had a very difficult time against the likes of RB Leipzig and Ajax.
Hopefully, the winter break will help Hummels fully recover from his injury. And we will see him back to his best in the second half of the season.