This is how we saw the players from RB Leipzig in the 1:1 (0:0) draw at Werder Bremen at the end of the year:
Janis Blaswich: Was flawless again after the mistakes recently, but was hardly able to distinguish himself because Bremen shot a lot over the goal. When the goal was conceded, he made a long run, but Njinmah’s left-footed shot was too placed. Blaswich is not to blame, the goal is more the fault of Kampl and Haidara. Note: 3.
Benjamin Henrichs: Not a good evening for Henrichs, who missed too many balls and didn’t have the forward penetration that characterizes him. On the defensive, Bremen repeatedly gained steam on both wings. Coach Rose spoke in the press conference after the game about the local Christmas chicken salad, which he doesn’t like. The clutter of wings on the pitch – on the right and left – will also have worried him. Henrich’s best act: rescue slide against Ducksch after a pass from Njinmah (34th). Note: 3,5.
Luke Klostermann: Unlike against Hoffenheim, it radiated less security. He kept getting caught on the wrong foot, like against Borré at the start of the second half. When the ball jumped to his hand in the penalty area in the second half, the Leipzig team held their breath. His long balls arrived too rarely. Note: 3.
Lukeba Castle: Played again after back problems and hit the post right at the start after a free kick (1st). Saved Borré on the line in desperate need and shortly afterwards caused a major blunder in his own penalty area. Had to go out at the break feeling battered and exhausted. After a long strong first half of the season, he looked for concentration and consistency in the last few games. Normal for a 20-year-old – even if he is a French youth international. Note: 4.
Haidara one of the best
David Space: Introduced himself strongly into the game with a good free kick that Lukeba hit the post and, as usual, was on the left wing a lot. But he had problems defensively to close his side against Bremen. Weiser repeatedly pushed dangerously through his side. None of his flanks found their target. Note: 3,5.
Kevin Kampl: Was allowed to play for the sick hitter, but couldn’t reach his level. Gave away too many balls in the early stages and didn’t put any pressure on Njinmah when the score was 1-1, so the goalscorer was able to calmly place the ball on the left. In general, the gaps between the midfield and the offensive were too large, so that Werder could repeatedly roll into the RB half, where the guests were then too disorganized. Note: 4.
Amadou Haidara: Was one of the best in Leipzig. Won all of his duels and finally developed forward pressure when his shot hit the post. Needs to be made clearer. Note: 2,5.
Forsberg farewell to RB Leipzig with a fine lob on Openda
Emil Forsberg: Unfortunately he didn’t have the same influence in his last game for RB as he did on Saturday against Hoffenheim. Started well with pressure on the opponent and conquests, but then dived too often. 20 ball contacts in 63 minutes are just a bit small. But Forsberg was always distinguished by his eye for his teammates and his special actions. Like at 1-0, when he served Openda with a fine lob and outplayed the Bremen defense. He will be missed. Note: 3.
Xavi Simons: As usual, he was Leipzig’s go-to guy in the first half when he pushed towards the penalty area after a dribble or played a one-two with Haidara. However, there was no pressure on the ball in the finish that evening. After a great first half of the season, we were a little outplayed and exhausted in the second half. Note: 2,5.
>>> Read more: Openda: “We have to learn to kill the game”
Yussuf Poulsen: The tower in the battle almost made it 1-0, but was just offside with his shoulder. Good first half with a nice finish just before Zetterer after a cross from Openda from a tight angle. May take on even more responsibility and show his presence in the competitive, wild second half. Note: 3.
Lois Openda: The goalscorer was always playable, lively and always dangerous in the Bremen half. Once again he skillfully used his muscular body, asserted himself brilliantly against Groß and remained persistent in the finish until the ball was in the goal on the third attempt. But still needs to hit more consistently and more often. Had two great chances alone in front of the strong Zetterer. It’s almost always active, but it needs to get even cooler. Note: 2,5.
Mohamed Simakan (46.): Came on for Lukeba at the break and always had his hands full when Bremen counterattacked. Solid game in a restless game for the defensive players. Note: 3.
Christoph Baumgartner (63rd): Didn’t bring the expected impulses. At RB, he doesn’t get enough situations in which he can exploit his desire to score. Didn’t have a dangerous scene and, unlike the national team, still struggles with his self-image at Leipzig. Note: 3,5.*
* We only rate players who came on before the 70th minute.
2023-12-20 13:42:01
#individual #criticism #grades #Bremen #Leipzig #wing #salad
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