Bayern Munich win exciting 5-2 contest vs. Hoffenheim — Player grades

After a tense and somewhat surprising opening from Hoffenheim, Bayern Munich turned up the throttle and finished out the match with five unanswered goals, showcasing exactly what they can do.

Manager Grade

Jupp Heynckes — B

With possible future Bayern Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann on the opposing side, Jupp came out and impressed with some managerial decisions throughout the game. Although the match did not feature James at all, and only a late substitution of Thomas Muller who is in great form at the moment. Jupp fielded a squad, riddled with injuries, that got the job done and more.

Player Grades

GK, Sven Ulreich — C

After surrendering two very quick goals, Ulreich didn’t see much action in goal. With only two shots — outside of the two Hoffenheim goals — on target, Ulreich felt more like a spectator for the last 60 minutes or so of the match. But nevertheless, Sven continues to impress during the absence of first choice goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

DEF, David Alaba — B-

With the increasing chemistry between Alaba and Coman, it was good to see the two link up multiple times in the match to create goal scoring opportunities. A few defensive mistakes aside, Alaba proved crucial late in the match with some key clearances on corners and crosses into the box. Alaba seems to be in rising form, which is a good sign heading into the Champions League bout with Besiktas.

DEF, Jerome Boateng — A-

Boateng showcased his class and proved once again why he was the German player of in ’15-16. Consistently guarding the final third and creating plays down the pitch, Boateng showcased his ability to be both a defensive wall and a creator as well. On top of a great performance as a defender, the German international also scored his first Bundesliga goal of the season and his first since 2016.

DEF, Niklas Sule — A-

Akin to Boateng, Sule showcased his class as a young upcoming center-back in the absence of Mats Hummels. The rotation Jupp has implemented with Sule, Boateng, and Hummels has proved to be a well-oiled machine and will help Bayern down the line with their longevity. Sule, against his former club, showed exactly why he belongs at a top tier club with impressive clearances and a few last ditch efforts that denied chances at goal.

DEF, Joshua Kimmich — C-

Wunderkind Joshua Kimmich seemed to not really be himself in this match. With some erratic tackles, one of which led to a penalty kick in the 3rd minute of the match, Kimmich’s form wasn’t quite up to par with what he can truly do. He did add a nice strike early in the match, which was in the end slotted in by Lewandowski, mounting the comeback.

MID, Corentin Tolisso — C-

Like Kimmich, Tolisso seemed absent for most of the match. Not really providing many chances from the midfield, it felt as if Tolisso was just there.

MID, Sebastian Rudy — C

Like Sule, Sebastian Rudy found himself pitted against his former club. Providing a few chances throughout the match as well as some nice counterattack stops throughout, the former Hoffenheim captain adequately filled the role of center mid.

MID, Kingsley Coman — A-

The chemistry between Coman and Alaba on the wing is exciting, and quite possibly a glimpse into the future of Bayern. The French winger was always on the ball, cutting through the Hoffenheim defense and creating many goal scoring opportunities for Bayern.

MID, Arturo Vidal — B-

In a match that saw Vidal virtually set up a goal Hoffenheim in the early offings, Vidal redeemed himself around the 20 minute mark and beyond. Vidal played well for the last 70 minutes, providing relentless defense, key passes and a goal of his own, set up from a corner kick from Arjen Robben.

MID, Arjen Robben — A-

Arjen Robben once again showed the world that he in fact still has it, possibly pushing the agenda of a contract extension in the off-season. Robben was great on the ball, especially in the final third, but the biggest takeaway from his performance was his two assists from some very well placed corner kicks

FWD, Robert Lewandowski — B+

As with most games, Robert Lewandowski showcased his ability and proved why he is deemed one of the best No. 9’s in the world. With a goal in the 21st minute that began the relentless five goal comeback, Lewandowski impressed throughout with some key passes, runs and plain play making ability.

Next: Bayern's Niklas Sule eager to play alongside Leon Goretzka

Subs

MID, Thomas Muller — B

Coming on for the seemingly absent Tolisso, Thomas Muller showcased his form once again with some impressive attacking play, ultimately setting up Sandro Wagner’s first goal since his signing

DEF, Rafinha — N/A

Rafinha came on late in the offing and created some good chances for Bayern in the last 15 minutes, nabbing the assist on Sandro Wagner’s goal.

FWD, Sandro Wagner — N/A

Wagner came on in the 83 minute for Kimmich and netted his first goal since his signing for Bayern in the January transfer window with an impressive bump off his chest. Although he did score a goal, increasing the lead to 5-2, Wagner wasn’t on the pitch long enough to receive a rating.