Bayern Munich dominate Bayer Leverkusen in DFB Pokal -- Player grades

Bayern Munich cruise past Bayer Leverkusen 6-2 to book their place in the DFB Pokal final in Berlin next month.

Manager grade

Jupp Heynckes — A

Heynckes is still set for another treble with Bayern Munich, as the Bavarians booked their place in the DFB Pokal final with an emphatic win over Bayer Leverkusen. His squad wasn’t at their best for much of the first half, but whatever Jupp said to them during the break certainly motivated them to come out dominant for the second 45.

Player grades

GK, Sven Ulreich — B

Despite allowing two shots in his goal, Ulreich made several big saves to squash any hope of a Leverkusen comeback.

DEF, David Alaba — C+

Coming fresh off his fantastic return to play at the weekend against Borussia Monchengladbach, Alaba wasn’t quite as impressive today against Leverkusen. The Austrian was removed at half-time with more important fixtures for the Bavarians on the horizon.

DEF, Mats Hummels — C+

Once again, Mats Hummels didn’t look quite up to scratch against the fiery Leverkusen attack. Allowed the hosts way too much offensive freedom, and was poor on his set-piece defending.

DEF, Jerome Boateng — B-

Contrary to what has become the usual, Boateng was more impressive than his partner in central defense. But only just. The duo still have some things to work on over the course of this week in preparation for Real Madrid, who will surely be much more lethal with the chances given them.

DEF, Joshua Kimmich — C+

Worked hard down the right flank along with Arjen Robben. Kimmich’s 60 accurate passes were a match-high, but both his attacking and defending still left a little to be desired.

MID, Javi Martinez — B

Bayern’s shield in front of the defensive line, Javi Martinez’s four interceptions and five tackles were both a match high. His early shot (the goal was awarded to Robert Lewandowski) was well taken and really kicked things off for Bayern Munich. The Spaniard continues to play a crucial role for the Bavarians under Jupp Heynckes.

MID, Thiago — A

A finely taken goal and two perfectly-placed assists just about sum up Thiago’s night. He was the heartbeat of Bayern’s midfield, creating space for himself and his teammates, spraying pinpoint passes left and right. He got the nod over James Rodriguez for this important semi-final clash. It will be interesting to see if Jupp makes the same decision again next week.

MID, Franck Ribery — B

Hard-working as ever on the left wing, Ribery’s dribbling was crisp and his passing effective. He was perhaps unlucky to only grab one assist, but he nevertheless proved (once again) he certainly has what it takes to be a key player for Bayern.

MID, Thomas Muller — A+

A big game player, Thomas Muller stepped up for his team when they needed him the most. The captain’s space-investigating was on full display all match. His first goal gave Bayern their all-important two-goal lead, and his second and third helped put the game beyond reach. Bayern Munich will no doubt be hoping for a similarly superb display from their hometown boy when they face Real Madrid next week.

MID, Arjen Robben — B-

Arjen Robben ended the match with two assists, neither one necessarily on purpose (the first came after he tripped over the ball and the second was a shot deflected in by Thomas Muller). The Dutchman was dangerous on the right flank, though, and looked hungry for a goal the complete 90 minutes.

FWD, Robert Lewandowski — B

Despite two early goals, it was a relatively quiet game by Robert Lewandowski’s standards. He was actually pretty invisible for much of the second half, contributing more in the build-up than in the final attack. That’s not to say it was a poor game, though. Despite not getting in on any of the second half scoring, Lewandowski remained hard-working and motivated.

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Subs

DEF, Rafinha — C+

The Brazilian-German took over seamlessly from David Alaba, adding to the Bayern Munich attack in tandem with Franck Ribery on the left flank.

MID, James Rodriguez — N/A

The Colombian replaced Thomas Muller to allow the hat-trick hero his standing ovation. James left little impact on the outcome of the match.

DEF, Niklas Sule — N/A

Replacing Thiago with only five minutes remaining, the German giant earned no grade.

Bayern Munich dominate Bayer Leverkusen in DFB Pokal — Player grades

By Benjamin Scott | Apr 17, 2018