Bayern Munich see out boring 1-0 win away at Hamburg — Player grades

Bayern Munich stumble to a 1-0 victory away at Hamburg. It was boring, but they got the result. Here’s how all fared individually.

Manager Grade

Jupp Heynckes — C+

With two important matches against RB Leipzig looming on the horizon, Jupp Heynckes opted to rotate his line-up and rest a few key players. That his team did not absolutely crush Hamburg was down to poor individual performances more so than a lack of tactical nuance from their manager. Nevertheless, Bayern did what great teams do: win games even when they’re ugly; something they often failed to do under Carlo Ancelotti.

Player Grades

GK, Sven Ulreich — B

Wasn’t called upon too often, but stepped up when his time came. Ulreich’s been growing in confidence lately and is starting to look like a decent back-up to Manuel Neuer.

DEF, David Alaba — C+

Worked well in tandem with Kingsley Coman down the left flank, but could have provided better defensive work. Overall, a good game from the Austrian defender.

DEF, Mats Hummels — B-

Hummels helped his team keep a clean sheet, but honestly didn’t have too much to do. Other than a near miss from a header, not much for Hummels to write home about.

DEF, Niklas Sule — C+

Looked nervous for the opening 20 minutes or so, but eventually grew into the game. There’s no doubt Sule is an excellent ball-winner, but his possession play and passing needs a little work.

DEF, Rafinha — C+

Taking over for the over-worked Joshua Kimmich, Rafinha did well enough against Hamburg. He’s clearly not on the same offensive level as the Kid, but Bayern walked away with the win, so Rafinha did his job.

MID, Arturo Vidal — B

With six key passes, Vidal played the role of creator for Bayern Munich today. Even with his match-high 124 touches, Vidal still put in his typical shift on defense, making three tackles, interceptions and clearances each.

MID, Corentin Tolisso — B-

This was truly a tale of two halves for Bayern’s record signing. Looked totally uncomfortable and full of nerves for the first 45 minutes, but turned it around in the second half. Coolly slotted home his goal from close range, which proved to be the winner. Almost doubled the lead with a bullet-header that only found the post. His solid second-half should provide him the confidence he so clearly in the first-half demonstrated he needs.

MID, Kingsley Coman — A

Easily the best player on the pitch for the Bavarians. Looked head and shoulders better than his opposition, blazing past them with ease on several occasions. Played through an injury scare early in the first half and was cynically fouled multiple times. The Hamburg defense was obviously terrified of the young Frenchman, and rightly so. That he didn’t grab an assist speaks to how poor Bayern were on the day.

MID, James Rodriguez — D

Handed his first start under new manager Jupp Heynckes, James Rodriguez surely would have hoped for a much better performance than this. Never quite looked comfortable on the pitch and was rightly subbed off at half-time for Thomas Muller.

MID, Arjen Robben — C-

If I had to describe the Dutchman’s game in one word, it would be selfish. Had several opportunities to set up a goal for his teammates but always chose to take the shot himself. Missed an open chance off a fantastic Coman cross, but then again who didn’t?

FWD, Robert Lewandowski — C-

See above.

Next: Bayern Munich down Celtic 3-0 in Champions League comeback

Subs

MID, Thomas Muller — N/A

Muller made the most impactful of cameos. He came on at halftime, grabbed an assist and left with an apparent injury. He’s been growing in form lately, hopefully this injury is nothing too serious.

MID, Thiago — B-

Came on for the injured Muller who replaced the lackluster James Rodriguez. Thiago was not entirely up to his lofty standards, but still made a good impression on the match, playing three key passes in his 40 minutes. Unfortunate not to score, his blistering shot from outside the box only denied by the post.

DEF, Joshua Kimmich — N/A

Replaced Coman for the final 20 seconds or so of the match.