Bayern Munich smash Eintracht Frankfurt in Supercup -- Player grades

Bayern Munich get their revenge over Eintracht Frankfurt, while Niko Kovac earns his first piece of silverware with the Bavarian giants.

Manager grade

Niko Kovac — A+

The Croatian couldn’t have hoped for a better start to life with Bayern Munich, getting the better of his previous employers (who looked decidedly average without their former boss) with an emphatic 5-0 victory. His selection was solid and his tactics spot on. Hopefully a sign of the things to come from Niko Kovac!

Player grades

GK, Manuel Neuer — C+

Little to do for Bayern Munich’s captain, who hardly faced a shot from his opponents. Nevertheless, there’s something reassuring about having Manuel Neuer back in goal.

DEF, David Alaba — B

The Austrian put in an excellent shift on the left flank, storming up and down the pitch and performing both offensive and defensive duties with ease. He grabbed an assist for his hard work before being forced off the pitch with a knee injury late in the match. Hopefully it’s nothing too serious.

DEF, Mats Hummels — B-

Calm and collected at the back, Hummels did his defensive work well enough and helped out in attack with some fine passing.

DEF, Niklas Sule — B+

Der Panzer was much more than just a tank at the back for Bayern Munich. Sule played more passes than anyone else on the pitch and showed off his passing range while doing so. The big man is surely looking to solidify himself as a starter this season. He took a few steps in the right direction today.

DEF, Joshua Kimmich — A

Joshua Kimmich picked up right where he left off in the 2018-19 season. His passing was excellent (see his sublime cross for Lewandowski’s opener) and his work-rate was tireless. Unlike a few games from last season, Kimmich’s defending against Frankfurt was actually solid. The best right-back in the world just keeps getting better.

MID, Javi Martinez — B

Typical defensive-midfield Javi Martinez. He provided solid cover for the backline and contributed well going forward. It will be interesting to see if the Spaniard remains in midfield under Niko Kovac or gets moved back to defense.

MID, Franck Ribery — B-

Worked hard in both attack and defense but was a little overshadowed by his teammates who grabbed the goals. At 35-years-old, it’s hard to tell how effective Ribery can be throughout the season, but he’s still got some gas in the tank if today is any indication.

MID, Thiago — B

The Spaniard’s near-perfect passing was key for Bayern Munich’s midfield. Played ten long-balls, every one of them accurate, and put the nail in Frankfurt’s coffin with his late goal, Bayern’s fifth.

MID, Thomas Muller — B-

Just one assist, but it was a typically solid — if not a little quiet — display from the Raumdeuter. His clever movement and smart passing made him a real threat from attacking midfield.

MID, Arjen Robben — B

A great match from the Dutchman, who worked fantastically with Joshua Kimmich and Thomas Muller on the right flank. Put in an excellent corner to set up Bayern’s second goal and almost put his own name on the scoresheet but was just denied by Frederik Ronnow.

FWD, Robert Lewandowski — A+

A perfect start to the 2018-19 campaign from Robert Lewandowski, whose three goals did all the talking against an over-aggressive Eintracht Frankfurt defense. The hat-trick hero was constantly under attack from his opposition but definitely got the better of David Abraham and co. The Pole showed a great deal of determination and a remarkable passion for playing that has been missing for much of the calendar year.

Next. Bayern Munich must not sell Jerome Boateng this summer. dark

Subs

MID, Kingsley Coman — A

Kingsley Coman was stellar coming off the bench for Arjen Robben in the 58th minute. He scored Bayern’s fourth goal with an easy tap-in, then created Bayern’s fifth and final by putting his blazing pace and fine dribbling to good use before unselfishly sliding a pass to Thiago who fired home.

MID, Leon Goretzka — C+

Goretzka replaced Thomas Muller midway through the second half and came out firing. He couldn’t put his name on the scoresheet in his official debut, but it wasn’t for lack of trying. The youngster could play a big role for Niko Kovac throughout the season.

FWD, Sandro Wagner — N/A

Nearly put his name on the scoresheet but embarrassingly slid the ball wide of an open net from just a few yards out. No grade for the big striker who otherwise had very little impact on the match.

Bayern Munich smash Eintracht Frankfurt in Supercup — Player grades

By Benjamin Scott | Aug 12, 2018