Bayern Munich - Winners.
Manuel Neuer- Easily the best goalkeeper in Germany and world football right now, come on leaps and bounds since his Schalke days, produced a handful of world class saves in the final in the first half. 7/10.
Phillip Lahm- Produced quite the display in his third final in 4 seasons, often the threat when over-lapping Arjen Robben. Finally received a well overdue Champions League medal. 8/10
Jerome Boateng- Improved momentously since his Manchester City days and finally got his own say in a final at Wembley despite losing a handful of battles to Robert Lewandowski in the first half, recovered well in the second half. 7/10
Dante- Suitable replacement throughout the latter stages of the Champion League for Holger Badstuber, unfortunate however for the latter that he couldn't partake in this years final. Despite giving away the only penalty of the game with a needless challenge, Dante himself had a decent game but not at his best. 6/10
David Alaba- This man won over many football fans due to his nullifying over Cristiano Ronaldo over two legs in last seasons competition and he's carried that form over into this years competition. Kept Jakub "Kuba" Blaszczykowski quiet throughout the game well, whilst getting forward to support Franck Ribery a lot. 7/10.
Javi Martinez- This man was seemingly brought in to be a squad player last summer however, he's literally robbed Luiz Gustavo of his place in the midfield. Did a good job on marking Ilkay Gundogan throughout the game and dominated the whole midfield area. 9/10.
Bastian Schweinsteiger- Like Phillip Lahm, well overdue a Champions League Medal. Seems to have found a perfect midfield partner in Martinez, however still plays his usual style as a box to box midfielder. Was injured in the pre-match warm up yet that didn't seem to hinder him throughout the 90 minutes. 8/10.
Franck Ribery- Underrated and overrated by many fans of football yet produced a display that will please many of his own fans. Got the better of Marcel Schmelzer throughout the match. 7/10.
Thomas Muller- Under-rated himself by many fans outside of German football yet was one of three top scorers at the World Cup in 2010. Went un-noticed throughout patches of this match however his fans will still be happy with his display. 6/10
Arjen Robben- Made up for his penalty being saved by Petr Cech in last years final by scoring the winner for Bayern. Was pretty much nullified by Lukasz Piszczek until he moved up front for the final 10-15 minutes of the match when he got the better of the two Dortmund centre backs. 7/10.
Mario Mandzukic - Another shrewd signing made by Jupp Heynckes in the previous summer, however has earned his place in Bayern Munichs starting XI. Was fairly anonymous in the final itself up until his scuffed goal to break the deadlock. 6/10.
Borrusia Dortmund - losers.
Roman Weidenfeller - Like his counterpart in Bayerns goal, Weidenfeller produced a handful of world class saves in the match including a save with his face from a one-on-one with Arjen Robben. 6/10
Lukasz Piszczek - The majority of Munichs threats came through the middle throughout the match however, Pizczek himself did well when called upon to combat the threat of Franck Ribery. Unfortunately on the losing side in this final. 6/10
Mats Hummels- A product of Bayern Munich's academy however couldn't come back to haunt his former club in the final. Went on a few jaunting runs throughout the match however they came to no fruition. Arguably out of position or rather "caught ball watching" for Bayern Munichs opener. Not one of his best games in his career so far. 5/10
Neven Subotic- Often the unsung hero in Dortmunds defence due to Mats Hummels' performances however tonight he pretty much outshone his partner, just a shame the result wasn't as good.
Made a significant goal line clearance that prevented a certain goal for Arjen Robben. 6/10.
Marcel Schmelzer - Ventured forward on his own accord more than he was actually needed in his own half to defend the threat of Arjen Robben. Most of his deliveries from set pieces never found a team mate however. 6/10.
Ilkay Gundogan - This man has been a shining light in Dortmund's European escapades this season and was probably their best player on the night too when he escaped Javi Martinez. Scored from the spot and sent Neuer the wrong way after Reus won his side a penalty. 8/10.
Sven Bender - The "engine" of Dortmund's team on the night, out there to try and tussle with Javi Martinez however didn't succeed. Still put in a more than average shift on the night though. 6/10.
Jakub "Kuba" Blaszczykowski - More often than not, used as Dortmund's main attacking threat when it comes to wing play however didn't even get going in this tie. Caught in two minds more often than not.
6/10.
Marco Reus- Somewhat promoted to the CAM role in this match due to Mario Gotze's absence which was down to apparent injury. Linked up superbly with front-man Robert Lewandowski in the first half and sporadically in the second half. Went on a few runs at the Bayern defence but to no avail. Won his team a penalty in the second half, however. 7/10
Kevin Grosskreutz - Given a starting berth in what is usually Marco Reus's role in the team. Normally a utility man for the team, he started in his favoured role in the final but was pretty much ineffective. 5/10
Robert Lewandowski- The Polish front man has been linked with exits to Manchester United and Bayern Munich in recent weeks and it was shown why in the final. Won many duels against Jerome Boateng and Dante on his own. Possibly won the award for "best disallowed goal of European history" too, with a slick touch and volley hit from 30 yards out. 7/10.
No comments:
Post a Comment