Potent attack gives Bayern Munich 5-0 win over Besiktas — Player grades

Despite a slow start to the match, Bayern Munich found their footing and smashed five goals past Besiktas’ 10-man defense.

Manager grade

Jupp Heynckes — A

Jupp Heynckes fielded arguably the strongest line-up at his disposal against Besiktas, showing how serious he took his opposition. The decision paid dividends for Bayern Munich, who ran all over their opposition, ending the game with a convincing 5-0 scoreline.

Player grades

GK, Sven Ulreich — C+

Ulreich had little to do in between the sticks for Bayern Munich. He made a few routine saves to keep his clean sheet, but nothing too difficult.

DEF, David Alaba — B

Alaba had a great game against Besiktas. This was particularly true in the first-half, when his team was struggling to break down their opposition defense. Encouraging stuff to see from the Austrian, who has been growing in form since the return of Jupp Heynckes.

DEF, Mats Hummels — B

Once again excellent in defense, Mats Hummels was also effective in attack. That’s no surprise, though. You’d be hard-pressed to find a center-back more comfortable in possession.

DEF, Jerome Boateng — B-

Speaking of center-backs comfortable in possession, Boateng was equally as effective in attack as his partner in defense. His defending, however, is still a little rusty. But Bayern kept the clean sheet with little fuss, so it’s tough to complain.

DEF, Joshua Kimmich — B+

Worked wonderfully on the right flank with Arjen Robben and Thomas Muller. Playing as almost a second (or even third?) right-winger rather than a full-back, Kimmich contributed heavily to the Bayern Munich attack and was rewarded with an assist for his efforts.

MID, Javi Martinez — B-

Javi Martinez did his duties in defensive midfield, almost playing as far back as Bayern’s central defenders.

MID, Arturo Vidal — B-

Like with Javi Martinez, nothing spectacular from Arturo Vidal. But he did his job and did it well. Together with Javi Martinez, the Chilean held the midfield and provided a shield for his defense.

MID, James Rodriguez — C+

Less influential than usual in his time on the pitch, James left the game right before the first-half’s end as apparently injured. He’s been huge for the Bavarians in recent months; hopefully the injury is nothing serious and his substitution was merely precautionary.

FWD, Kingsley Coman — A-

The young Frenchman was fantastic against Besiktas’s tenacious defense. Though he technically didn’t get the assist, it was his sublime footwork that created Thomas Muller’s opening goal. Coman continues to improve and step-up big time in the important matches, just as he did today.

FWD, Robert Lewandowski — A-

The world’s best number nine played like it today. Two goals, an assist, a shot fired off the post, two free-kicks won just outside the penalty box, Lewandowski did it all against Besiktas. As usual, his near-telepathic connection with Thomas Muller was a joy to behold.

FWD, Thomas Muller — A+

Virtually a perfect game from Thomas Muller, who worked expertly in tandem with Lewandowski and Coman up front. His positioning was perfect on both of his goals, and his unselfishness was on full display when he opted to slide the ball across goal to an on-rushing Lewandowski rather than attempting a shot for his hat-trick.

Next: Corentin Tolisso hopes for a long career with Bayern Munich

Subs

FWD, Arjen Robben — B+

Brought in just before half-time to replace James Rodriguez, Robben immediately brought a direct-ness to Bayern’s attack that had been missing previously. Unlucky not to grab a goal or assist.

FWD, Franck Ribery — N/A

Came in for Kingsley Coman with about 10 minutes remaining, Ribery’s brief appearance made little impact.

MID, Corentin Tolisso —  N/A

Coco had little to do in his eight-minute cameo.