Outside90’s Ari Papas selects the standout performers from the latest round of Bundesliga action for our Team of the Week.
Jaroslav Drobny – Goalkeeper – Hamburg
Hamburg piled the pressure on Werder Bremen in the relegation spot with a dramatic 2-1 victory. The hosts had a brilliant first-half where they scored twice to gain a comfortable lead. Their grip on the game slipped after the break though and they had to call upon an amazing performance from Jaroslav Drobny to get the win. The Czech goalkeeper saved a penalty from Bundesliga veteran Claudio Pizarro and made nine other saves. Even though his clean sheet was ruined by Anthony Ujah, his performance was just enough to claim the win.
Hiroki Sakai – Right-back – Hannover 96
Hannover’s mini revival continued with a spirited 2-2 draw against Ingolstadt. Daniel Stendel’s men found themselves 2-0 down at halftime and staring down almost certain relegation. However, Hiroki Sakai launched a stirring comeback in which the away side managed to grab a point. Sakai scored in the second-half to start the turnaround and helped his side hold on at 2-2. The result gives Hannover the slightest chance of survival, needing to win all of their remaining games to get out of the relegation zone.
Ragnar Klaven – Central-defence – FC Augsburg
Augsburg became the latest team to inflict humiliation on VfL Wolfsburg with 2-0 win in their own home stadium. The Wolves have been strong at home this season and it took an inspired performance to beat them, with Ragnar Klaven putting in a great defensive effort to help his side. The Estonian won all his aerial challenges to shut down Bas Dost.
Marco Russ – Central-defence – Eintracht Frankfurt
Frankfurt helped themselves to an extremely valuable three points in a 2-1 win over FSV Mainz. The Eagles found themselves a goal down by the 20th minute and in desperate need of inspiration. Their salvation came through Marco Russ, who equalised with a close-range finish. The captain used his experience to keep his backline together until Fankfurt scored a dramatic late winner. The result still leaves them in the relegation spot, but with enough room to escape in the final three games.
Markus Stuttner – Left-back – FC Ingolstadt
Markus Stuttner was one of Ingolstadt’s key performers in their 2-2 draw with Hannover. The 29-year-old had strong wing-play with his team mates Alfredo Morales and Mathew Leckie in the first-half, which led to their side taking a two goal advantage despite being reduced to 10 men. It was a strong overall showing, even though his side collapsed to concede two goals from Hannover.
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Henrikh Mkhitaryan – Right-wing – Borussia Dortmund
Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s form continued to amaze Dortmund fans as their side dispatched Stuttgart 3-0. The Armenian has only been getting better since the start of the season and had yet another fantastic performance at the Mercedes-Benz Arena. The 27-year-old assisted Shinji Kagawa’s opening goal and rounded off the victory by scoring Dortmund’s third of the night. Mkhitaryan now has 11 goals and 18 assists in the Bundesliga.
Arturo Vidal – Central-midfield – Bayern Munich
Arturo Vidal’s consistent performances have been one of Bayern’s shining lights in recent weeks, as they defeated Hertha Berlin 2-0. The Chilean has been a revelation since the New Year, providing assists and recently becoming quite handy in front of goal. The 28-year-old opened the scoring with a brilliant long-range strike and he dominated midfield with 88% passing accuracy.
Mahmoud Dahoud – Central-midfield – Borussia Monchengladbach
Mahmoud Dahoud is usually in good form, but he was particularly spectacular in Gladbach’s 3-1 win over Hoffenheim. The 20-year-old put his side 2-0 to the good on the stroke of halftime and assisted their third in the 61st minute. The Syrian midfielder was brilliant all throughout the game, maintaining a passing accuracy of 86% and taking four shots on goal.
Douglas Costa – Left-wing – Bayern Munich
Costa is another one of Bayern’s new signings that are having a massive impact, scoring in Bayern’s 2-0 win over Hertha Berlin. The Brazilian winger has uncanny pace, which he used to tear up Hertha’s defence and produce three shots. The 25-year-old scored a wonderful goal in the 79th minute to wrap-up the points for his side. Bayern could seal the Bundesliga title next week with a win.
Anthony Modeste – Striker – FC Cologne
Modeste was on fire against Darmstadt in Cologne’s 4-1 win. The 28-year-old bagged a brace in the opening 35 minutes and was a potent threat throughout the entire match. The striker had seven shots on goal and won five aerial challenges as he tore apart Darmstadt’s defence. The Frenchman was destructive as his team ran riot and the result leaves Cologne comfortably in the upper-mid table.
Javier Hernandez – Striker – Bayer Leverkusen
The little Mexican striker added to his impressive Bundesliga credentials with another amazing impact against Schalke in a 3-2 win. Leverkusen found themselves 2-0 down against Schalke by half time, it must have been an explosive talk from head coach Roger Schmidt that caused an incredible comeback in the second half. In a six-minute goal bonanza, Leverkusen launched an incredible turnaround as they scored in the 54th, 56th and 60th minutes. Hernandez, yet again, was the hero with the winning goal as Leverkusen stole the points.
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