Bundesliga Team of the Week: Gameweek 1 Highlights
The Bundesliga returned with a bang, delighting fans with a weekend filled with excitement and a flurry of goals. Here, we unveil our German Bundesliga Team of the Week, showcasing the standout performers and pivotal moments from the season opener.
Standout Goalkeeper Display: Bernd Leno
Despite Bayer Leverkusen’s defeat to Borussia Monchengladbach, Bernd Leno delivered a resilient performance between the posts. The Leverkusen shot-stopper was called into action repeatedly, making seven crucial saves that kept his team’s hopes alive throughout the match. While his efforts couldn’t secure a win, Leno demonstrated his reliability and shot-stopping prowess in a challenging opener.
Defensive Excellence: The Back Four
The defensive line in this week’s best XI blends solid defending with attacking flair:
– **Right Back – Philipp Lahm**
Bayern Munich’s captain was at his vintage best, combining intelligent positioning with forward-thinking play. Lahm not only found the back of the net after a well-executed team move but also orchestrated Bayern’s attacks, recording 78 touches, 57 completed passes, and creating five scoring opportunities.
– **Center Back – Mats Hummels**
Making his Bundesliga return with Bayern, Hummels delivered a faultless defensive display. He enjoyed 109 touches and distributed 99 passes at a 90% completion rate. Dominant in the air and quick to intercept, Hummels helped ensure a clean sheet in Bayern’s commanding 6-0 victory.
– **Center Back – Ricardo Rodriguez**
Wolfsburg started the new campaign on the front foot, with Rodriguez displaying the form that made him their key player in previous seasons. The Swiss defender contributed a well-taken goal, completed three tackles, and had 69 touches, anchoring the backline in a 2-0 win.
– **Left Back – Jonas Hector**
Fresh from a successful summer with Germany, Hector continued his form for FC Cologne. He made four clearances and three interceptions, created four chances, and completed 93% of his passes in a composed and assured performance, helping Cologne secure all three points.
Midfield Brilliance: Game-Changing Presence in the Center
Midfield control was key for several teams in the opening round, with the following players leading by example:
– **Defensive Midfielder – Xabi Alonso**
Bayern’s Spanish maestro dictated play against Werder Bremen, registering 66 touches and 61 passes at 88% accuracy. Alonso’s game-reading ability allowed him to disrupt opposition play and launch attacks, highlighted by scoring the season’s first Bundesliga goal.
– **Central Midfielder – Thiago Alcantara**
Alcantara was the heartbeat of Bayern’s midfield, touching the ball a remarkable 139 times and completing 121 passes at a 90% accuracy rate. His defensive contribution included two tackles and four interceptions, and he was unlucky to see the woodwork deny him a goal.
– **Attacking Midfielder – Thomas Muller**
Muller epitomized attacking intent in Bayern’s thumping victory, scoring, assisting, and constantly threatening the goal. His inventive play led to four created chances and even a strike off the bar, making him integral to nearly every Bayern attack.
Dynamic Wing Play and Clinical Attacking
The attacking trio of our team of the week combined efficiency and creativity:
– **Right Wing – Andre Schurrle**
On his Bundesliga debut for Borussia Dortmund, Schurrle was relentless. He delivered the assist for both of Dortmund’s goals, including a pinpoint cross for Aubameyang and earning a penalty. Schurrle’s impact extended to three successful dribbles and attempts on target, signifying a fantastic start to his Dortmund career.
– **Striker – Robert Lewandowski**
Lewandowski was simply unstoppable in Bayern’s attack, netting a clinical opening-day hat-trick. His movement and finishing overwhelmed Werder Bremen, who struggled to contain the prolific Pole, as he spearheaded his side to a convincing win.
– **Left Wing – Franck Ribery**
Ribery showcased his class against Werder Bremen, setting up Lewandowski’s goal with a deft assist and adding a goal of his own in the second half. He registered three shots, maintained an 87% pass completion rate, and created two key chances, contributing heavily to Bayern’s emphatic victory.
Preferred Formation: The 4-3-3 Setup
This week’s best eleven lines up in an attack-minded 4-3-3 formation, offering defensive security, midfield creativity, and relentless attacking options. This tactical approach underlined the high-octane football witnessed in the Bundesliga’s opening fixtures.
Player of the Week: Thomas Muller’s Masterclass
While multiple players excelled for Bayern Munich, Thomas Muller’s overall contribution set him apart. He orchestrated play, provided key assists, and maintained relentless pressure on the opposition. Muller led his team by example, marking himself as the standout performer of the week.
Managerial Genius: Carlo Ancelotti
Bayern Munich’s manager Carlo Ancelotti masterminded a flawless tactical display, overseeing a 6-0 demolition of Werder Bremen. Under his guidance, Bayern played with confidence, cohesion, and attacking verve, suggesting a promising campaign ahead under the Italian manager.
Conclusion: An Action-Packed Return to Bundesliga Football
The first match week of Bundesliga action laid down a marker for the season, showcasing star performers, brilliant team play, and plenty of goals. With these players leading the charge, supporters can look forward to many more thrilling weeks in Germany’s top flight. Stay tuned for more Bundesliga Team of the Week coverage as the season unfolds.
