Borussia Dortmund Player Ratings vs SC Freiburg: 6/10 trio Reyna, Sancho, Reus clueless; Impressive Moukoko gets 7

Marco Reus and Jadon Sancho disappointed as Borussia Dortmund slumped to a 2-1 defeat to SC Freiburg on Saturday.

Borussia Dortmund lost further ground in the race for the Champions League places after a disappointing 2-1 defeat to SC Freiburg on Saturday.

The loss leaves the Black and Yellows dawdling outside the top six, with Borussia Monchengladbach and Eintracht Frankfurt having an excellent chance of pushing up the league table. In addition, it adds more pressure to Edin Terzic, whose side lacked ideas against a sturdy Freiburg backline that barely allowed any scoring opportunities for the away side.

Christian Streich’s men deserve credit for remaining in the game, in what was an uneventful first-half. They picked up the lead shortly after the restart through Woo-Yeong Jeong before Jonathan Schmid doubled the tally minutes later. Freiburg didn’t stop there and continued to cause problems for the Dortmund defence on the break.

Die Schwarzgelben, however, did churn out a goal in the 76th minute through substitute Youssoufa Moukoko. But, it was too little too late as Streich parked the bus shortly after the goal, denying the opposition of a potential comeback. Here, at The Hard Tackle, we will run the rule over the Borussia Dortmund side in their defeat to Freiburg this weekend.

Marwin Hitz: 4/10

Starting once again in the absence of the injured Roman Burki, Marwin Hitz had a horrendous game between the sticks. While he had no chance of saving the first effort from Jeong, he made a mess of Schmid’s strike, fumbling it around the near post as the ball deflected off his back into the back of the net. Dortmund have a goalkeeper problem.

Emre Can: 6/10

Emre Can was given a berth in the starting eleven on account of his impressive display against Paderborn. The defender didn’t exactly disappoint either, notably attempting a shot on goal that rattled the crossbar. He also offered a decent amount of ball-progression but took too many risks while in possession.

Mats Hummels: 6.5/10

Mats Hummels also looked fairly solid, in general. The veteran centre-back didn’t look rattled by the Freiburg press and remained calm in possession, aside from one nervy moment early on in the proceedings. Will be disappointed to have conceded two goals this evening.

Manuel Akanji: 5/10

It was an awful defensive display from Manuel Akanji, who was the weak link in the Dortmund build-up. The Swiss international took too many risks in possession, making it easier from Freiburg to create useful turnovers in the BVB half. Not the best of performances from the centre-back, who was in a red hot form prior to the start of 2021.

Raphael Guerreiro: 5/10

It was one of those rare occasions where Raphael Guerreiro failed to influence the game. The left-back operated in an awkward role, though, often drifting in between the midfielders which made it difficult for Akanji to mop up the space left behind by the Portuguese international. Either way, Guerreiro was ineffective with his forays down the flanks.

Julian Brandt: 5/10

Operating in the double-pivot alongside Thomas Delaney, Julian Brandt never really managed to find his feet in this game. He was quickly closed down by the likes of Baptiste Santamaria and Nicolas Hofler, resulting in a lack of creativity from the middle of the park. The former Leverkusen star was taken off at half-time – a move that surprised no one.

Thomas Delaney: 5/10

Delaney also endured a difficult time in midfield dealing with the Freiburg players. His lack of technical qualities made it difficult for him to navigate the ball in the middle of the park, especially with Brandt struggling to influence the game. The Dane’s defensive coverage was also far from impressive.

Jadon Sancho: 6/10

Jadon Sancho looked lost in the final third, which was rather surprising given the attacker’s form heading into this game. It appears he was unhappy to be deployed in an awkward wing-back role that saw him cover the flank. As a result, the Englishman failed to provide any real threat for the Freiburg defence. Poor tactics by Terzic once again.

Marco Reus: 6/10

Another player who struggled to make things happen in the final third, Marco Reus was closed down well by the opposition. As such, the playmaker had very little time on the ball, with most of his through passes failing to find the target. Good defending from Streich’s men as the Dortmund captain eventually left the pitch around the hour mark.

Giovanni Reyna: 6/10

It was yet another disappointing performance from Giovanni Reyna, who continues to struggle under Terzic. The young playmaker is clearly being misused in the wide attacking role when his biggest strength is to carry the ball through the middle or in half-spaces. It appears that only a change of leadership could mark the change of fortunes for the young American.

Erling Haaland: 7/10

Erling Haaland looked quiet for the large parts of the game, devoid of any kind of services from his attacking teammate. He kept fighting though and was eventually rewarded with an assist for the Moukoko goal. Borussia Dortmund really need a change of tactics if they are to get the best out of Haaland in the coming matches.

Substitutes

Jude Bellingham: 6.5/10

Jude Bellingham offered more energy in the Borussia Dortmund midfielder after coming on for Brandt at the start of the second half. The youngster should have started the game ahead of the playmaker.

Youssoufa Moukoko: 7.5/10

Youssoufa Moukoko scored his second Bundesliga goal in the 76th minute to spark hopes of a late Dortmund comeback. It wasn’t to be at the end, but great finishing from the 16-year-old, who deserves more chances in the first-team.

Mahmoud Dahoud: 6/10

Replaced Delaney around the hour-mark, but failed to fare any better. He certainly doesn’t have any future at Dortmund.

Reinier Jesus: 6/10

Replaced Reyna during the final phase of the game. Clashed with Moukoko for a late effort on goal.