Sebastian Kehl hails Mats Hummels and Nico Schlotterbeck after statement performance against Bayern Munich

Sebastian Kehl was full of praise of Mats Hummels and Nico Schlotterbeck after the defensive duo kept the star-studded Bayern Munich attack at bay on Saturday.

Borussia Dortmund finally managed to put an end to their winless streak against Bayern Munich on Saturday evening, as they defeated the reigning Bundesliga champions 2-0. Mats Hummels and Nico Schlotterbeck played a crucial role in BVB's win, as they delivered performances of the highest quality to prevent Harry Kane and co. from scoring.

Hummels especially rolled back the years and showed once again just why he is relied upon so heavily for big matches, even at the age of 35. The 2014 World Cup winner made a number of outstanding last-ditch challenges, ensuring that Bayern struggled to create too many meaningful chances over the course of the 90 minutes.

Sebastian Kehl said after the game that Borussia Dortmund's centre-back duo wanted to issue a statement to Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann, and they did exactly that against Bayern Munich. "Both of them did an outstanding job. In the interplay, in defending, in bringing the ball out. They played at a very, very high level and it shows that they are ambitious and have big plans for this year. They wanted to make a statement for the national coach and they certainly did that," Kehl said (via Sky Sport).

Both Schlotterbeck and Hummels were left out of the Germany squad for the recently concluded international break, and will hope to fight their way back into Nagelsmann's plans for the European Championship this summer.