Manu Koné (2nd from right) and Robin Hack (r.) look at the ball in Borussia Mönchengladbach’s game at Bayer Leverkusen on January 27, 2024.
Copyright: IMAGO/Beautiful Sports
Surprising point win for Borussia!
A draw for Borussia Mönchengladbach in the Bundesliga! These are the Gladbach scores and the individual criticism after the game against Bayer Leverkusen.
Gladbach vs. Bayer Leverkusen:
The Borussia professionals in the individual review
Moritz Nicolas: Outstanding support in the foal goal! Nicolas prevented Bayer from taking the lead several times in the first half and once again surpassed himself. In the second half, Nicolas was always there when he was needed. The 26-year-old has long been more than just an Omlin replacement, so far his masterpiece in the Borussia jersey! Grade: 1.5
Joe Scally: Was drawn back into a three-man chain by Seoane; he didn’t need any warm-up time after a few games in a four-man chain. Compared to the Augsburg game, the American’s game was significantly less error-prone. He was there several times in difficult situations – and from the 30th minute onwards he was the Foals’ best defensive player. His pace was always worth its weight in gold. Grade: 2
Nico Elvedi: A hair-raising bad pass in the first half almost put Borussia behind, but Nicolas saved. In the second half, an unnecessary excursion by the Swiss Leverkusen almost gave them the lead, but Frimpong missed. Elvedi had his hands full with Patrik Schick and was overwhelmed at times with the attacking pressure. Grade: 4.5
Marvin Friedrich: It’s been a long time since Friedrich showed such consistently good performances in a Borussia jersey over such a long period of time. Wöber also missed the third game in 2024, but the defensive giant is currently doing well as a substitute. Note 3
Franck Honorat: In the early stages, quite overwhelmed with the more defensive role and the pressure that Grimaldo generated. As a result, he repeatedly made positional errors that cannot be justified by his actually more offensive position. Grade: 4
Luca Netz: The U21 international missed what was probably Borussia’s best chance of the first half. Otherwise, he had Frimpong, one of the best wingers in the league, pretty well under control. Note 3
Manu Kone: As against Augsburg, he was entrusted with many defensive tasks. Wirtz repeatedly took on Wirtz in the duel between the midfield whirlers, but in a defensive role. He only caught the eye with a long-range shot. Grade: 2.5
Julian Weigl: Strategist in the Borussia midfield, Weigl’s return after a yellow card suspension was extremely important for the structure against the ball. Once again, he didn’t stand out with many outstanding duels, but with numerous small, but effective, scenes to provide stability. Grade: 2.5
Flo Neuhaus: Got the chance to show off from the start for the first time since December 2nd. Monster tackle in the 60th minute, when Frimpong was actually running towards Nicolas alone. That was the strongest Gladbach action in the entire 90 minutes. Offensively, he only managed a solo run under constant pressure, defensively he was not only disciplined in the tackle. Grade: 2.5
Robin Hack: Actually, Hack was the only option for Borussia’s quick counterattack, and the 25-year-old tried his luck again and again. In his most conspicuous action, he was previously offside. But it was anything but easy for him against the Bayer back three. Note 3
Jordan Siebatcheu: Siebatcheu demonstrated in Leverkusen that his physique can hold his own against Bundesliga defenders of the highest quality. However, the game was reminiscent of the American’s first appearances in the Borussia jersey, as his game again lacked the dangerous scenes in the penalty area. In the second half he was actually only asked as an offensive defender. Note 3
From the 62nd minute Rocco Reitz: Seoane opted for an even more compact setup when he brought in Reitz for Hack. In any case, he threw himself into it and was actually only needed in the defensive role. Grade: 2.5
From the 69th minute Stefan Lainer: Seoane also strengthened the defensive bulwark by replacing Lainer. A strong challenge against Grimaldo will definitely be remembered. Note 3
From the 79th minute Christopher Kramer: Of course Kramer also came into the game to provide additional stability. The world champion orientated himself into a three-man midfield alongside Reitz and Weigl. This worked extremely well! No grade
From the 79th minute Nathan Ngoumou: In the final phase, Seoane went on the offensive and brought in Ngoumou, probably Borussia’s best counterattack player. In his only promising action, the Frenchman made a technical error. No grade
From the 79th minute Shio Fukuda: Seaone caused the big surprise in the final phase and gave 19-year-old Shio Fukuda his Bundesliga debut after a week and a half in the professional squad. Crossed once well for Ngoumou. No grade