Outside90’s Ari Papas selects the standout performers from the latest round of Bundesliga action for our Team of the Week.
Lukas Hradecky – Goalkeeper – Eintracht Frankfurt
Lukas Hradecky was the hero as Frankfurt overcame Darmstadt 2-1 to lift themselves out of the automatic relegation zone. Darmstadt were the dominant side early on, scoring in the 12th minute and were awarded a penalty almost five minutes later. Hradecky, however, rescued his side from the spot and allowed Frankfurt to mount a thrilling second-half comeback where they sealed the win in the final 10 minutes.
Marcel Schmelzer – Left-back – Borussia Dortmund
Despite being shocked with the news that Mats Hummels has handed in a transfer request, Dortmund went about their business with an excellent 5-1 win over floundering VfL Wolfsburg. Marcel Schmelzer was consistent and added to his excellent season stats with an assist on Dortmund’s fifth goal of the night. The 28-year-old brought this performance fresh from signing a new contract with the Black and Yellows until 2021 and it is looking more likely that he will inherit the captaincy, should Hummels leave at the end of the season.
Joel Matip – Central-defence – FC Schalke
Schalke were relieved to snap a four game winless streak in the Bundesliga with a 3-1 win over Hannover. Despite their opposition’s relegation already being confirmed, it was a win that the Ruhr club desperately needed. Joel Matip won all of his defensive challenges and sealed victory by assisting Schalke’s third goal of the night. His performance will leave a bittersweet feeling for Schalke fans, knowing that the 24-year-old will be heading to Liverpool FC on a free transfer this off-season.
Dominique Heintz – Central-defence – FC Cologne
It was a low stakes game between FC Augsburg and FC Cologne that ended in a 0-0 draw. Despite the dull result, Cologne’s defensive stalwart Dominique Heintz had a commendable performance. The 22-year-old won all of his attempted challenges and made sure his side kept a clean sheet, in a game where they were out-possessed and had only eight shots compared to Augsburg’s 13.
Theodore Gebre Selassie – Right-back – Werder Bremen
Werder Bremen are one point clear of the relegation threat after a destructive 6-2 win over Stuttgart. Die Werderaner were fantastic all night and Theodore Gebre Selassie was one of their star performers. The 29-year-old was outstanding throughout the 90 minutes as he won seven tackles and eight interceptions. It was a brilliant overall performance that leaves Bremen with renewed hope that they can escape the drop.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – Right-wing – Borussia Dortmund
Henrikh Mkhitaryan yet again finds himself in the team of the week with another incredible performance – even by his lofty standards. Dortmund dismantled Wolfsburg to the tune of five goals to one, with Mkhitaryan assisting twice. The Armenian won all of his dribbles and had five shots on goal. Even without scoring, the 27-year-old was a constant threat that caused constant problems for the Wolves defence.
Leon Goretzka – Central-midfield – FC Schalke
Leon Goretzka was another one of Schalke’s star performers in their much needed 3-1 victory over Hannover. The 21-year-old was the catalyst to the Royal Blues breaking their four game winless streak, as he won seven tackles and maintained a passing success rate of 74%. The German was consistent and bagged an assist for the visitors’ first goal of the night.
Shinji Kagawa – Central-midfield – Borussia Dortmund
Shinji Kagawa started 2016 as a bench warmer but has shown the Dortmund crowd what he is capable of with a meteoric rise in form, including a brilliant performance against VfL Wolfsburg in a 5-1 win. The Japanese international had an excellent game, scoring Dortmund’s opener and assisted the second in the opening 10 minutes of the game to all but seal victory.
Fin Bartels – Left-wing – Werder Bremen
Fin Bartels was one of the best performers of the round in Bremen’s smashing 6-2 win over Stuttgart. The German was the key catalyst to the home side’s brilliant performance, with two shots converted into two goals. The 29-year-old was a pacey threat to the Stuttgart defence and picked them apart consistently throughout the 90 minutes. Bartels’ excellent play led to Bremen smashing a whopping six past their hapless opponents.
Thomas Muller – Striker – Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich were forced to delay their title ambitions for another week as they were held at home by Borussia Monchengladbach in a 1-1 draw. The Bavarians had a lacklustre performance against Gladbach and their lethargy showed at times. However, the ever reliable Thomas Muller ensured that Bayern took the lead with a classic scrappy Muller goal. Gladbach deservedly levelled the scores, but Muller’s individual performance kept a poor Die Roten in the game.
Andre Hahn – Striker – Borussia Monchengladbach
Gladbach did well to draw 1-1 with Bayern at the Allianz Arena with help from Andre Hahn. The German scored Die Fohlen’s equalising goal on the 72nd minute, a fair rewards considering his side’s excellent play throughout the match. The 25-year-old also won all of his aerial challenges, as he threatened Bayern’s weakened backline a number of times throughout the game.
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