Bayern Munich B team secures 4-1 win over Frankfurt -- Player grades

A youthful Bayern Munich squad, with a few new faces added to the first team, saw out a fun 4-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday.

Manager grade

Jupp Heynckes — B+

Jupp Heynckes gave several key players a rest, while also allowing many reserve players their chance for first-team play. All this, and he still secured a win against future Bayern Munich manager Niko Kovac’s Eintracht Frankfurt. A relatively easy task compared with the one facing him midweek when Bayern travel to the Santiago Bernabeu for a big match against Real Madrid.

Player grades

GK, Sven Ulreich — B

Unfortunate not to keep a clean sheet after allowing a late goal sneak into the back of his net. Did his best Manuel Neuer impression halfway through the first half, rushing well out of his box to clear the ball. Ulreich later made an excellent one-on-one save to keep his side level.

DEF, Juan Bernat — B-

Though poor at times in possession, Bernat’s defense was much improved against Niko Kovac’s side. His tackling was solid as he worked hard throughout the match.

DEF, Mats Hummels — B

Given the captain’s armband for the first time since arriving in Bavaria, Mats Hummels played an excellent match, except for one small mistake which led to Frankfurt’s goal. Other than that one blip on his record, though, Hummels was a rock at the back for Bayern.

DEF, Lukas Mai — B+

Mai was given his second consecutive start for Bayern Munich after making his professional debut last weekend. Bayern’s new number 15 took advantage of his opportunity. He was absolutely solid in his defending alongside Mats Hummels, and his passing was crisp and effective.

DEF, Joshua Kimmich — B

Coming off an excellent performance against Real Madrid midweek, Joshua Kimmich showed his fellow youngsters why he is a first team regular at Bayern Munich. Solid defensively and a threat in attack, Kimmich looks set to once again play a key role for the Bavarians when they face Real Madrid in Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final second leg.

MID, Sebastian Rudy — B

Sebastian Rudy actually played a pretty good game for Bayern Munich. The holding midfielder has often failed to impress under Jupp Heynckes, but that was not the case today. He controlled the game pretty well and even registered a smart assist for Sandro Wagner’s goal.

MID, Niklas Dorsch — B-

Dorsch grabbed Bayern’s opener and his first professional goal late in the first half but played a pretty average game beside that. The young German is probably leaving Bayern in the summer, so his goal today perhaps only added to his stock.

MID, Corentin Tolisso — C+

The Frenchman failed to impress against Frankfurt, but was nevertheless solid in midfield. There’s still a small chance he starts against Real Madrid on Tuesday. And perhaps he should. Coco seems to always step up for the big games.

FWD, Frank Evina — B-

Frank Evina was an honest threat to the Frankfurt defense for much of the match. His lack of professional experience was evident at times, but overall it was a good performance from the 17-year-old.

FWD, Sandro Wagner — B+

A shining example of hard work and determination, Sandro Wagner’s performance was the exact opposite of Robert Lewandowski’s on Wednesday. He passed up a chance at goal in the first-half, instead sliding the ball across goal for Niklas Dorsch to put in the back of the net. Wagner was later rewarded his goal, however, coolly sliding the ball through Lukas Hradecky’s legs and into the back of the net.

FWD, Meritan Shabani — C-

Another one of Bayern’s u-19 players making a cameo in today’s match, Meritan Shabani was largely ineffective on the right flank. The Kosovar doesn’t quite seem ready for the Bavarian first team.

Next: Five takeaways as Bayern Munich hand Real Madrid easy win

Subs

DEF, Rafinha — B

Rafinha replaced Joshua Kimmich at half-time and picked up right where his teammate left off. His defending was solid, but the real highlight of his match came late in the game. Released clean on goal by Thiago, Rafinha stormed down the pitch before firing a perfect shot into the bottom left corner. A rarity from Bayern’s deputy full-back. Minutes later he picked up an assist for Niklas Sule’s game-ending goal.

MID, Thiago — C+

The Spaniard replaced Meritan Shabani after 56 minutes but played much deeper than his young teammate. Thiago once again didn’t quite look at his best, even if he did assist a goal. He’ll need to improve his game exponentially before Bayern take on Real Madrid.

DEF, Niklas Sule — B

Niklas Sule is in great form, which bodes well for his side, given the absence of Jerome Boateng for the rest of the season. Sule played the final 25 minutes of the match as a mix between a defender and a midfielder after replacing a forward. The German giant was dominant though, eventually scoring a goal with the final touch of the match. Sule proved his dedication to the club by laying his family jewels on the line to keep out a powerful shot from Marco Fabian late in the match.

Bayern Munich B team secures 4-1 win over Frankfurt — Player grades

By Benjamin Scott | Apr 28, 2018