Bayern Munich players impress during the mauling of Fortuna Dusseldorf.
Manager Rating
Hansi Flick — 9/10
Hansi Flick got everything right in the big win against Dusseldorf. The German manager made the right change in the starting XI, giving Jerome Boateng much needed rest. After Bayern Munich got the result under their belt, Flick quickly made substitutes in the second half to give fringe players a chance to prove themselves.
Player Ratings
GK, Manuel Neuer — 7/10
Yet another game Manuel Neuer was just a mere spectator in the goal. As Die Roten dominated the play, Neuer showed great levels of concentration whenever Dusseldorf tried to initiate a counterattack. He came off the line at the right time and made a tremendous save in the 65th minute to deny Niko Giesselmann from a consolation goal.
DEF, Benjamin Pavard — 9/10
The French defender had more license to go ahead against Dusseldorf. Pavard linked up well with Coman on the right flank and often made inside runs when the French winger was providing the width. Defensively, he was solid, making vital interceptions and blocks to stop the visitors on the break. Played a vital role in the first goal and finally got on the scoresheet with a terrific header. A complete performance from the full-back.
DEF, Lucas Hernandez — 7/10
Finally, Hernandez gets a start at the expense of Jerome Boateng. The French defender looked rusty with his passing, but that is understandable due to lack of playing time. Hernandez was solid in the defensive phase of the game, winning every aerial and individual duel. The French international was substituted due to adductor problems. Overall, it was a fairly decent return to the starting XI for the World Cup winner. Hopefully, the latest injury issue is nothing serious.
DEF, David Alaba — 8/10
Alaba started the game on the right side of the defense, but it hardly impacted his game. The Austrian defender dictated the play from the center-back role by nonchalantly spraying passes across the pitch. Defensively, he didn’t give a sniff to the Dusseldorf forwards. He almost got an assist when his line-breaking long pass found Thomas Muller in the box during the second half, only for the German forward to miss the target from close range.
DEF, Alphonso Davies — 9/10
Another game, another brilliant display from the teenager. Alphonso Davies started the game slowly but hit top gear during the second half. He was killing Dusseldorf on the left-flank with his marauding runs. The Canadian full-back was also alert defensively, using his pace to win the ball. His perseverance to win the ball helped him to score a fine goal in the second half.
Midfielders continue to shine
MID, Joshua Kimmich — 8/10
A new role for Kimmich against Dusseldorf. Goretzka sat deep in midfield while he aggressively pressed in the final third. The German international was providing energy and aggression to the midfield. He slotted in central defense with ease when Hernandez was substituted at half time. The German defender rarely lost a duel as he was often the last man defending a counter in the second half. Kimmich also bagged an assist in the game by delivering a great cross from the corner for the second goal. Excelling in multiple roles, Kimmich hardly put a foot wrong against Dusseldorf.
MID, Leon Goretzka — 8/10
Goretzka has made great progress at Bayern. The top performances in the last four games are a testament to the player’s smart positioning in the midfield. The German midfielder took a deeper role against Dusseldorf, keeping it simple to dominate the center of the pitch. He surged forward whenever Die Roten were on the front foot. Goretzka also showed great defensive awareness, dropping in central defense on a few occasions. There is still scope of improvement in his passing range, but he did his job to perfection on Saturday.
A good outing for forwards
FWD, Kingsley Coman — 7/10
A better outing for Coman than Tuesday. The French winger was adventurous in the final third, but couldn’t come away from the game with a goal or assist. However, his overall performance was promising. He linked comfortably with Pavard on the right flank and also consistently delivered dangerous crosses in the box.
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FWD, Thomas Muller — 8/10
After a quiet game against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday, Muller responded brilliantly against Dusseldorf. He was relentless in the final third, stretching the Dusseldorf defense through his runs. Muller showed great awareness by laying off the ball for Lewandowski during the third goal. He also came close to scoring in the first half when his ferocious volley was deflected to the corner by Florian Kastenmeier. An industrious performance from the veteran, becoming the MVP in the Flick’s system.
FWD, Serge Gnabry — 7/10
Serge Gnabry is yet to reach the performance levels which he showed before Bundesliga was suspended. However, his performance against Dusseldorf was another step in the right direction. Gnabry was pressing constantly in the final third and got into very good positions. He showed great awareness to square the ball for Lewandowski in the build-up of the fourth goal. With that assist, Gnabry has reached a double-digit figure for both goals and assists in the Bundesliga this season.
Lewandowski breaks the duck
ST, Robert Lewandowski —9/10
Lewandowski completes the set by scoring against Fortuna Dusseldorf. The Polish striker has scored against every current Bundesliga side. Along with an emphatic finish in the first half, Lewandowski showed a great bit of innovation to grab his second in the second half. He was at his usual best, menacing in the final third with his runs and holding up the play to bring other forwards into play. Lewandowski also likes to create chances for his teammates. A pinpoint cross for Muller from right flank showed how much hard Lewandowski works for his team.
Substitutes
MID, Mickael Cuisance — 7/10
Cuisance came on at the half time and slotted in the midfield with Goretzka. The Frenchman kept it simple by linking midfield and attack. A promising half for the young midfielder, who could have opened his account for Bayern as he got in good positions during the half.
DEF, Alvaro Odriozola — 6/10
The Spanish full-back made his second appearance in the Bundesliga. He replaced Pavard in the right-back position and executed the duties of the role perfectly. Odriozola showed some neat touches in the final third while linking up with Gnabry on the right flank.
FWD, Ivan Perisic — 6/10
Replace Kingsley Coman at the hour mark and remained a constant threat on the left flank. The Croatian continues to get better with his all-round play after a long layoff due to injury.
FWD, Joshua Zirkzee — N/A
Zirkzee came on late in the game to replace Muller. The Dutch forward was fiesty in the final third, chasing every ball, but didn’t have enough time to get on the scoresheet.
FWD, Oliver Batista-Meier — N/a
Meier finally made the long-awaited debut for the first team. The young winger showed some neat touches in the final third, but he had very little time to make a significant impact. It was more about getting the experience of playing at the top level for Bayern.