Bundesliga round-up: Bayer Leverkusen duo sparkle in top rated players
Borussia Dortmund sensationally blew a 3-0 lead against Hoffenheim to allow Bayern Munich to cut their lead at the top of the Bundesliga to five points.
Bayer Leverkusen are making a strong push for the top four after making a strong start to the year. Leverkusen have won five of their last six league matches, including Friday’s 5-1 thumping away to Mainz. Here we round up the top five rated players from gameweek 21, which includes two Leverkusen stars.
5. Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund) – 8.83 rating
Jadon Sancho’s display in Borussia Dortmund’s draw with Hoffenheim has been described as the best of his fledging career. The 18-year-old tore Hoffenheim to shreds prior to their stunning revival, netting once and playing a huge part in their other goals. Sancho, who was also denied by the woodwork, completed seven dribbles and registered two key passes in another mesmerising performance.
4. Davie Selke (Hertha Berlin) – 9.03 rating
Hertha Berlin arguably pulled off the biggest shock of the weekend after ending Gladbach’s perfect home record with a 3-0 win on Saturday. Davie Selke provided the assist for Hertha’s second goal before securing all three points in the 76th-minute with a headed goal from a set-piece. It was his first goal since November, ending a goalless run of 10 matches in all competitions. The 24-year-old has, however, now played a direct hand in six goals in his last six league outings.
3. Nicolai Muller (Hannover) – 9.15 rating
Nicolas Muller opened his account for Hannover at the weekend after transferring from Frankfurt during the January window. Muller scored both of Hannover’s goals in a 2-0 win over Nuernberg, allowing his side to leapfrog their opponents off the foot of the table. Muller scored his goals from four attempts and also registered two key passes. Not only that, but the 31-year-old also chipped in with four tackles to help Hannover keep a rare clean sheet.
2. Julian Brandt (Bayer Leverkusen) – 9.42 rating
Julian Brandt has hit his best form of the season in recent weeks after helping Bayer Leverkusen tear Mainz to shreds. The Germany international played a direct hand in four of the five goals Leverkusen scored, netting two and providing two assists from central midfield. Brandt scored twice from three attempts, while both of his key passes were converted. He also completed two dribbles and was fouled twice.
1. Karim Bellarabi (Bayer Leverkusen) – 9.45 rating
Brandt is edged for the honour as the top rated player from gameweek 21 in the Bundesliga by team-mate Karim Bellarabi. The 28-year-old scored once and provided an assist in the rout over Mainz but is statistically superior to Brandt. Bellarabi completed five tackles and interceptions combined, as well as providing two key passes and completing as many dribbles. The Leverkusen winger also fired off five shots during his best performance of the campaign to date.