Three BVB players in WhoScored Bundesliga Team of the Week
Not only that, but with a rating of 8.78, Beier is the highest rated player of any player for the week, and Schlotterbeck, with a rating of 8.71, has the second highest rating of any player. Meanwhile, Emre Can comes in with an 8.03 rating.
So, Beier feels like a good player to start with. Aside from his two goals, it was a very good all-around performance. During the 90 minutes, he also recorded two more shots, 1/1 dribble attempts, 38 touches of the ball, two chances created, 7/10 ground duels won, one foul drawn, two clearances, and one interception.
There has been debate in the past as to where Beier's best position is: as a winger or as a striker. Perhaps this is outcome bias, but playing as a split striker as part of a front two feels like the perfect hybrid of the two roles. Similar can be said for Karim Adeyemi, who assisted the opening goal.
Then you have Schlotterbeck, who surprised many with his excellent corner delivery — there can't be many 6'3 central defenders that take corners. However, when your technique is as good as Schlotterbeck's, why not? Fans will remember his cross for the last-minute Modeste equalizer at home to Bayern Münich a few years ago.
Aside from his two assists, Schlotterbeck recorded five clearances, one blocked shot, one interception, two tackles, 83 touches of the ball, 5/7 aerial duels won, one foul drawn, and four total shots. It's a shame he will miss the game against Freiburg, though it at least keeps him fresh for the Champions League.
One of his assists came for Emre Can — the other player on the team of the week — who nodded home shortly before half time, which really helped ease anxiety in the stands and from the players themselves. There is no bad time to score, but there aren't many better times than that.
Meanwhile, aside from his goal, Can recorded six clearances, three blocked shots, two interceptions, three tackles, 4/7 accurate long balls, and 4/7 ground duels won — a very good captain's performance at the heart of the back three. Both he and Schlotterbeck suit playing in a back-three system. Excellent stuff all around, and long may it continue.