Backline Assessments
Gregor Kobel: A busy day between the sticks ended with four goals conceded. Kobel started the game well with two saves in the first ten minutes, and he couldn't do much on either of the first two goals. He did get a hand on the third goal, where he may have been able to save it. His passing on the day was not good as he had only 42% accuracy on long balls.
Julian Ryerson: Raphinha terrorized the right-back for the entire match and ended the match with two goals and one assist. Ryerson was too slow and could not defend against both Balde and Raphinha at times, but he showed improvement before the second half. On the few occasions he went forward, he did well, but it was not enough to improve his rating on the day. The 3/7 ground duels won are a better reflection of the player who was outmatched all game.
Emre Can: The captain made some key defensive actions, and he won four of his five duels. He was the only Dortmund defender who was not dribbled past, according to Fotmob. As much as I’d like to say he played okay in this game, Can was part of a backline that conceded four goals. A poor clearance in the 63rd minute could have made the night even worse for BVB if Barcelona was able to capitalize instead of only hitting the post.
Waldemar Anton: In the first game after Nico Schlotterbeck’s injury, Dortmund’s defense looked poor. Anton’s ability on the ball can be highlighted by his passing accuracy and long ball accuracy for the match, 68% and 0% (0-9), respectively. A few bad passes and clearances highlighted his performance in defense, and his mistake helped Barcelona score their fourth goal of the night.
Ramy Bensebaini: Ramy had trouble with Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal throughout the match. He lost the ball to the teenager in the second minute and was dribbled past just four minutes later. He won only 2 of 5 ground duels on the night. The Algerian was Dortmund’s best defender at moving the ball up the pitch as he finished with a team high in progressive passes (6) and carries (3) of at least 10 yards.
Final Assessment: Nico Schlotterbeck's ability on the ball was missed last night, as he always does exceptionally well in passing the ball and progressing it up the field. Schlotterbeck averages 1.65 progressive carries per game (of at least 10 yards) and 7.89 progressive passes (of at least 10 yards) per game. BVB could have used that last night, as the center-back pairing had no progressive carries and only two progressive passes last night. Anton’s passing accuracy was only better than Adeyemi’s, and he needs to do better if Dortmund is to qualify for Europe from the league. The wing-backs today finished with an unimpressive 42% (5/12) win rate in their ground duels.