Bayern Munich drop points in 0-0 draw vs. Hertha Berlin — Player grades

Bayern Munich were unable to break down Hertha Berlin’s well-executed, defensive-minded gameplan, leaving little to take away from the scoreless match.

Manager Grade

Jupp Heynckes — C

Jupp fielded a Bayern Munich side that, on paper, seemed like it should’ve been able to at least score a goal, but that was not the case. As the match went on, Jupp added Kingsley Coman and Sandro Wagner onto the pitch and into play, hpoing to add to Bayern’s attacking threat, but that came to no avail. Jupp was unable to snag the record for consecutive wins in all competitions as a Bayern manager, having to settle instead for a tie.

Player Grades

GK, Sven Ulreich — A

If there is anything to take away from this match, it is that Ulreich is reliable when you need him. In the absence of Manuel Neuer, Ulreich has absolutely proven that he is a top tier goalkeeper, pushing the agenda to add him to Germany’s 2018 World Cup squad.

DEF, David Alaba — B-

Alaba played hard, we can take that away from the match. His improving form across the last month of play may prove vital down the stretch as Bayern will push for a treble win once again under Heynckes. Alaba pushed hard up the field and provided an abundance of balls into the box, but unfortunately none of them found the back of the net.

DEF, Mats Hummels — A-

Hummels played as composed as ever in this match, combined with Niklas Sule in the center-back positions, there was never a worry of counter -ttack from Hertha, or really any goal scoring opportunities at all outside of set-pieces. Hummels played well, pushing forward on the attack more than usual to counter the defensive minded play of Hertha.

DEF, Niklas Sule — A-

Like Hummels, Sule played well. In a match where attacking threats from the opposing side were seldom, Sule showcased his defensive ability and composure (much like Hummels) when pressure was applied. Sule further pressed his agenda for a spot on the German squad for the 2018 World Cup.

DEF, Rafinha — C

Rafinha wasn’t really much of a presence in the match. He pressed forward, as do all Bayern full-backs, but his presence on the pitch was never really felt.

MID, Javi Martinez — C+

Martinez’s, like some of his constituents, presence wasn’t really felt on the pitch. After taking a few knocks to the same knee early in the match, Martinez really just provided a buffer between Hertha’s defense and very few attacking attempts. Javi did have an integral clearance on a free-kick, though, that very well could have led to a goal for Hertha.

MID, Thiago — B

Thiago is back, which is great news for Bayern Munich and fans alike. In his second match back, Thiago showed some colorful play, especially in the first half. A few beautiful touches and skill moves set him apart, but unfortunately they led to nothing. Thiago is obviously at full confidence, however, which grew apparent with an attempted self set-up bicycle kick from outside the box. Thiago is back in full form, which is terrific news moving forward.

MID, Thomas Muller — C-

Thomas Muller has been in impeccable form as of late, but that did not show on the pitch today. Virtually never making any moves on the ball — or really touching the ball for the vast majority of the time he was on the pitch — Muller didn’t quite live up to the caliber of his last few games.

MID, Arjen Robben— C

Robben entered the game with a bit of a chip on his shoulder after being excluded from the starting XI in the midweek Champions League match versus Besiktas. Out of all the midfielders (except Thiago) Robben had the best performance, constantly making plays on the ball and pushing hard to create goal scoring opportunities. A free-kick in the 88th minute from right outside the box that may have been better suited for Alaba did not find the back of the net, hitting the diving arms of Hertha Berlin goalkeeper Rune Jarstein (who, himself, played a terrific match).

MID, Franck Ribery — C-

Ribery missed the best chance of the game by a long shot early in the match with a practically wide open goal. Aside from that chance, Ribery moved the ball well, but was rather quiet in the match.

FWD, Robert Lewandowski — B-

Lewandowski worked hard this match, but much like Muller he seemed tired. He had several shots in the match, a few of which could’ve been directed in another direction and possibly found the back of the net, but that’s mere speculation. Lewandowski did what he did best, and that was find chances on goal, but none went in.

Next: Bayern Made a mistake in selling Toni Kroos -- Matthias Sammer

Subs

MID, Sandro Wagner— N/A

In a match that had very little attack play that seemed productive, Wagner came on late for Muller and really couldn’t do much.

MID, Kingsley Coman — C-

Rising star Kingsley Coman came on in the 68th minute in an attempt to add depth to the attack with a set of fresh legs, but Coman couldn’t do anything to penetrate the Hertha Berlin defense.

MID,  Arturo Vidal —  N/A

Vidal’s brief 15 minute cameo, once again in an attempt to add potency to the attack, held little to discuss. But as always Vidal did show a lot of passion on the pitch. Amidst speculation of a summer departure, it is clear that Vidal’s passion for Bayern Munich remains.