GOALKEEPER:
Timo Horn (1. FC Köln): Widely regarded as ‘the next big thing’ in goalkeeping terms. I had previously not seen a great deal from Horn prior to this game, but how impressed am I now? He commanded his area well. Distributed the ball rather admirably, and most importantly made some incredible saves. The save he made late on where he was able to fully stretch down to his left and parry the ball clear, clearly showed this boy has huge potential. He made a total of 5 saves, 2 of which were of the highest quality.
DEFENDERS:
Benedikt Höwedes (FC Schalke 04): Höwedes was preferred to Fuchs at left-back this week. Jens Keller obviously rating his captain’s ability in this role after seeing him play there for Germany at the recent World Cup. He undoubtedly struggled early on when Bayern were in their groove, but fought back bravely and got himself on the scoresheet to level up scores. No doubt the ball hit his hand on route to goal, but there was absolutely nothing wrong with Höwedes’ actions; the ball was fired so hard at him and at close range, that there was nothing he could do. Höwedes ended up with 2 tackles and 4 interceptions to his name, not to mention the 3 aerial duals he was able to win.
Ermin Bicakcic (1899 Hoffenheim): This was exactly the type of game in which Hoffenheim would have lost last season. Werder were especially threatening in the second half, and had many chances to grab the winner but Hoffenheim’s new defence rose to the challenge. It was a hard working display by Bicakcic. He managed to amass 4 tackles, 6 aerial duals and make 14 clearances.
Júnior Díaz (FSV Mainz 05): In what could be described as a lacklustre affair, Junior Diaz stood out as the best player on the field. Not only was he leading the way with tackles, interceptions and aerial duals; he also had more touches than anyone else on the field. Extraordinary seeing as he played at left back. I don’t know why he only made 18 appearances last season. It seems like he has it all. Good technique, strong physique and pace to burn.
Jens Wemmer (SC Paderborn): Another good game by Wemmer warranted with another gig in team of the week. Last week I admired his defensive work, but criticised him somewhat for showing little ambition going forward and failure to complete any of his final balls. This week he was able to provide a few more overlapping runs, without compromising any of his defensive duties. He even managed to complete 2 successful dribbles going forward. Once again he was solid at the back with 2 tackles and a game high 6 interceptions.
MIDFIELDERS:
Kevin Vogt (1. FC Köln): Defensive displays are often unheralded, but it was necessary to point out this performance from the former Augsburg midfielder. Vogt played in holding midfield, and although he did nothing that spectacular, he was there to break up Stuttgart’s attacking moves time after time. He provided 6 crucial interceptions in this game and won 3 aerial duals, which is no surprise for a man boasting a height of 194cm.
Karim Bellarabi (Bayer 04 Leverkusen): Another standout performance from Bellarabi. Terrorised Hertha BSC’s defence, time and time again. He and Calhanoglu ran an absolute muck. When the game was tied at 2-2 late on, Bellarabi was able to waltz passed two defenders and get his shot away. The ball cannoned off the crossbar, but fortunately bounced straight into the path of Julian Brandt who was able to stir the ball home. Then in the 86th minute, Bellarabi found himself on the end of beautifully weighted cross by Calhanoglu. Bellarabi was able to hit the ball first time on the volley and crack it perfectly into the far corner of the net.
Hakan Çalhanoğlu (Bayern 04 Leverkusen): Çalhanoğlu worked incredible well with Bellarabi throughout this week’s game. Calhanoglu seems to be the missing link in Leverkusen’s armour which they so dearly desired. Last season Leverkusen lacked a player with imagination and creativity in the final third, and these are the attributes which were on display this weekend. His pinpoint cross for Spahic’s header was truly world-class. He then was provider once more for Bellarabi’s goal late on. Calhanoglu had 4 shots on target, played 5 key passes and dribbled past opposition defenders on 5 occasions. He was unlucky not to get himself on the scoresheet late on; unfortunately hitting the upright from long range and seeing the ball bounce clear.
Elias Kachunga (SC Paderborn): Kachunga was able to get himself on the scoresheet for second time in consecutive weeks. This week’s goal was not quite as impressive as the strike last week, but never less important. He was cruelly denied a second goal, which was adjudged to have been offside. Replays indicating that the decision was line ball. Kachunga is just that spark that SC Paderborn needed coming into their first 1. Bundesliga campaign. Has real acceleration which can trouble any defence, but he needs to keep scoring if Paderborn are to stay afloat.
Roberto Firmino (1899 Hoffenheim): Had to burden the majority of attacking responsibility for his side over the first couple of weeks due to the quite nature of Volland’s opening two games. Roberto Firmino gave his side in the lead by rounding the keeper after being played through by an amazing long ball by Sebastian Rudy. He went on to be the only attacker who seemed to trouble the Werder defence, completing an astonishing 8 successful dribbles and getting 5 shots at goal in the process.
STRIKER:
Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund): Wasn’t at his best last week, but one should be forgiving seeing as he had a lengthy absence out through injury. He instigated a well worked one-two with Kevin Großkreutz, and was able to stay composed and coolly finish. Reus made the control and finish look so easy, when it was anything but. He then was on hand to deliver the important corner which Sokratis was able to head home to put Dortmund 2-0 up. Reus finished off the game with 4 shots, 6 key passes, but more importantly 1 goal and 1 assist next to his name.