Leipzig/Dortmund – This is how we saw the players from RB Leipzig in the 1:2 (1:1) draw at Borussia Dortmund:
Peter Gulacsi: Without Pete Gulacsi in top form, the defeat would have been one or two goals more significant. At first Dortmund’s nerves were fluttering in front of the goal when Gittens was completely free, shot far too centrally and Gulacsi was able to securely hold on to the shot (14th). The Hungarian then made another brilliant save with his foot against Gittens (30th). Even with Schlotterbeck’s powerful finish after a corner (60th) and even against Brandt’s volley. Lived up to its nickname “The Wall”. Both goals conceded were preceded by mistakes made by the people in front of him in the header game. Note: 1,5.
Lotharel Geertruida: Started unusually on the left in the back three, then swapped sides again with Henrichs after ten minutes because the plan didn’t work. Was more handy against Gittens than on the other side, acceptable duel rate, but missed the opportunity to get close to his opponent in the 2-1 win against Guirassy. Note: 3,5.
Read here: System crash – RB worse than Dortmund in all respects
Defense under pressure
Luke Klostermann: Drawn attention to himself for the first time when he missed the ball and gave Gittens a great chance (30th). Then lost the decisive header duel against Nmecha before the 1:1. As a special guard for Guirassy, he adjusted quite well to the striker, stopped him once or twice in conjunction with Orban, but dived under the ball before the 2-1 score. Although he was probably not assigned against Guirassy, he unsettled Geertruida and Elmas. Note: 4,5.
Willi Orban: The captain wasn’t consistent or close enough to Beier at 1-1 and just looked after the ball. Tried to keep calm in the turmoil in the RB penalty area, just to be on the safe side, he hit the ball out of bounds at the end of the first half. In the direct duels against Guirassy in the post, best RB tackler (77 percent). On the post against Guirassy. A nice diagonal free kick to Geertruida. Note: 3,5.
Benjamin Henrichs: First on the right, then on the left side. Started the 1-0 with his pass into the penalty area; had a shot himself, but didn’t hit the ball properly with the long-range shot (33′). He hesitated a little too long with the plays and had the balls taken away. Not seen again in the second half. Note: 3,5.
No structure, no rhythm
Amadou Haidara: Missed giving structure and rhythm to the RB game. Only had 46 contacts and the balls were often gone quickly. His strength is aggressive conquering and quick and precise switching to the front, but that was not evident in Dortmund. Note: 4,5.
Arthur Vermeeren: A little more present than Haidara, but not brave enough in possession, lost the ball too quickly, nothing decisive going forward. Note: 4,5.
Antonio Nusa: Defensively, as a left-wing player in the five-man chain, he couldn’t find coordination with Geertruida and was allowed to move from the rail to midfield after a good ten minutes. Passable duel rate. At least initially, he dared to take one or two dribbles offensively, but then he disappeared in the second half. No decisive pass, no assist on goal, no shot on goal. Note: 4,5.
Christoph Baumgartner: Picked up a yellow card early (8th) when he kept Nmecha too unclever and prevented him from breaking through in central midfield. Not clear and assertive enough in his actions even on the ball. The only positive action forward: Openda played free with a long ball (63′) and then had to go out early. Note: 4,5.
Storm team with a successful action
Lois Openda: Was one of the better Leipzig players and had a lot of ball contact because he often dropped into midfield. Had a hard time getting past Schlotterbeck up front (11th, 44th). Decisive action from him before the 1-0, good running path and perfect backheel trick on Sesko. Had another chance when he ran towards the goal alone, but allowed the ball to be taken far too easily by Can, who wasn’t exactly fast (63′). Note: 3.
Read here: Why Lukeba is canceled
Benjamin Sesko: Just hit the ball under the roof of the goal, great goal after five games without a goal. On his second shot over the goal (41′), he should have played better on Baumgartner. Note: 3.
Kevin Kampl (64th): Participated in the construction, tried to create structure, but was not successful in this request. Didn’t get the game sorted. Good scene in interaction with Elmas. Note: 4.
Elijf Elmas (64.): At 1:2, he just stood around instead of disturbing Guirassy. He then had the best and best-played RB chance of the second half when he played a one-two with Kampl and finished dangerously (70′). Overall recommended with some decent promotions. Dangerous position again in stoppage time, but couldn’t finish. Note: 3,5.
*We only rate players who came on before the 70th minute.
