Bayern Munich kick-off 2018 with 3-1 win at Leverkusen — Player grades

Bayern Munich kick-off the new year right with a 3-1 win over Bundesliga opposition Bayer Leverkusen thanks to some impressive displays.

Manager Grade

Jupp Heynckes — B

It’s hard to complain about a 3-1 win away from home. Bayern Munich got the job done in Leverkusen, despite an initially tough resistance by their opposition. His choice to play Franck Ribery on the left flank over Kingsley Coman eventually paid dividends. But it’s hard to understand why new signing Sandro Wagner wasn’t given his first competitive start after returning to the club.

Player Grades

GK, Sven Ulreich — C

Not much to say about Ulreich’s performance. Hardly tested and left with little to do on Leverkusen’s one goal. His distribution perhaps could’ve been a bit better.

DEF, David Alaba — C

Not much to say about Alaba’s game. He did his defensive work well enough and provided an attacking threat out wide on the left flank.

DEF, Niklas Sule — B-

Niklas Sule was looking good up until his poor clearance that led to Leverkusen’s only goal. Even so, he was a rock at the back with nine clearances and five aerial duels won.

DEF, Jerome Boateng — C+

Not quite as impressive as his younger partner in central defense, Boateng’s passing was often errant. He tracked back well, though, and made an excellent block late on to deny Kevin Volland an easy shot on goal.

DEF, Rafinha — C

Nowhere near the player of young Joshua Kimmich, Rafinha was an adequate replacement at best. Made things far too easy for Leverkusen’s Jamaican star Leon Bailey.

MID, Javi Martinez — B+

A scrappy game like today’s is where Javi Martinez thrives. And thrive he did. Fought hard to win Bayern’s opening goal and was a force to be reckoned with in midfield throughout.

MID, Arturo Vidal — C+

After an excellent start to the first-half, Vidal slowly cooled down as the game went on. Once again proving a big attacking threat, he could have been the one to open Bayern’s account, but couldn’t manage to do. His headed shot toward goal did lead to Javi Martinez’s opener though.

MID, James Rodriguez — A

A spectacular game from Bayern Munich’s Colombian superstar! At the heart of all things going forward for Bayern Munich, James once again proved how vital he is to this squad. His right-footed(!) assist for Ribery’s goal only overshadowed by his pinpoint accurate free-kick for Bayern’s third goal.

FWD, Franck Ribery — B-

He only gets the grade due to the excellence of his goal. Ribery was largely poor for most of the match, but he stepped up when it mattered and scored Bayern’s second in great fashion.

FWD, Thomas Muller — C

Thomas Muller is no striker. Not in the most traditional sense at least. His skillset is far better suited to playing a supportive or creative role than being forced to serve as the focal point of attack. That being said, Muller wasn’t too bad against Leverkusen. His link-up play was great, and he could have ended the match with an assist or two.

FWD, Arjen Robben — C+

Just returning from a few months out with injury, Robben was good — if not great — in his first game back. The Dutchman didn’t really threaten with any of his shots, but proved an adequate creative force on the right wing.

Next: Bayern Munich heavily represented in Bundesliga Hinrunde awards

Subs

FWD, Kingsley Coman — C-

Coman’s introduction didn’t make the difference many would have hoped. He did well in a few one-on-one occassions, but never picked out a teammate with his crosses.

FWD, Sandro Wagner — N/A

Brought on to help secure his team’s victory, Wagner made little impact on match proceedings.

MID, Corentin Tolisso — N/A

The young Frenchman’s short cameo warrants no grade.