Bundesliga Team of the Week: Matchday 21
Goalkeeper: Moritz Nicolas, Gladbach
Moritz Nicolas, the goalkeeper for Borussia Mönchengladbach, played a crucial role in securing a hard-fought point against Eintracht Frankfurt. Despite facing a formidable opposition, Nicolas stood tall and made a total of six crucial saves, ensuring that his side remained competitive until the final whistle. His agile and precise performance in front of the goal was a testament to his growing confidence and skill, helping to stabilize the team’s defensive line. Nicolas’ efforts were instrumental in maintaining Gladbach’s chances of a positive outcome, even in a challenging match.
Defenders: Chrislain Matsima, Augsburg and Danilho Doekhi, Union Berlin
Chrislain Matsima, the centre-back for FC Augsburg, was a rock in defense during their clean sheet victory against Mainz. Matsima won five duels and made 11 clearances, showcasing his physical and tactical prowess. His commanding presence and ability to read the game effectively were key in nullifying Mainz’s attacking threats, solidifying Augsburg’s defensive structure and contributing to their impressive shutout.
Danilho Doekhi, a fellow centre-back for Union Berlin, also had a standout performance. In their comfortable 4-0 win over Hoffenheim, Doekhi won seven duels and registered eight clearances, demonstrating his strength and reliability. His tireless efforts and leadership in the backline were vital in ensuring Union’s dominance. Both Matsima and Doekhi displayed exceptional defensive skills, making significant contributions to their teams’ results.
Defenders: David Zec, Holstein Kiel
David Zec, the right-back for Holstein Kiel, had a multifaceted performance in their 2-2 draw with Bochum. Not only did he contribute to the defensive stability, but he also got on the scoresheet, scoring one of the goals for his team. Zec won nine contests for the ball, showing his competitiveness and tenacity. His presence on the pitch was a blend of defensive solidity and offensive threat, making him a key player in Holstein Kiel’s lineup. Despite not securing a win, Zec’s performance highlighted his importance to the team’s overall strategy and success.
Midfielders: Joshua Kimmich, FC Bayern and Michael Olise, FC Bayern
Joshua Kimmich, a stalwart in the midfield for FC Bayern, orchestrated the team’s play with precision and control. In their match against Werder Bremen, Kimmich completed an astonishing 96 percent of his 164 passes, ensuring smooth ball distribution and maintaining possession. He also made five key passes and won all of his duels for the ball, underlining his dominance and versatility. Kimmich’s performance was a masterclass in midfield management, providing the foundation for Bayern’s three goals and overall dominance.
Michael Olise, another midfield star for FC Bayern, was a constant threat throughout the game against Werder Bremen. Although he didn’t have a direct hand in any of Bayern’s goals, Olise completed five dribbles and registered 0.34 expected goals and 0.37 expected assists. His creativity and ability to break through the opposition’s defense were evident, adding a dynamic element to Bayern’s play. Olise’s presence and threat forced Werder Bremen to constantly adjust their tactics, making him an invaluable asset to the team.
Midfielders: Xavi Simons, RB Leipzig and Benedict Hollerbach, Union Berlin
Xavi Simons, a rising star in RB Leipzig’s midfield, stepped up in their 2-0 win over St. Pauli. Simons registered both an assist and a goal, contributing significantly to the team’s victory. His combination of technical skill and composure under pressure was on full display, making him a promising young talent to watch. Simons’ dual contributions not only helped Leipzig secure a win but also highlighted his potential as a future leader.
Benedict Hollerbach, the central midfielder for Union Berlin, had a memorable match in their 4-0 win over Hoffenheim. Hollerbach found the net twice, showcasing his scoring ability and positioning. His two goals were pivotal in establishing Union’s early lead and maintaining their dominance throughout the game. Hollerbach’s performance was a testament to his hard work and the effectiveness of Union’s midfield play, making him a standout player for the week.
Strikers: Benjamin Sesko, RB Leipzig and Myron Boadu, Bochum
Benjamin Sesko, the striker for RB Leipzig, opened the scoring in their 2-0 win over St. Pauli. His goal set the tone for the match, and he later provided the assist for Xavi Simons to seal the victory. Sesko’s sharp finishing and playmaking skills were on full display, making him a formidable force for opposing defenses. His contributions were crucial in ensuring Leipzig’s success and solidifying his status as one of the league’s rising talents.
Myron Boadu, the striker for Bochum, had a standout performance in the first half of their match against Holstein Kiel. Boadu found the net twice, scoring both goals in the opening 45 minutes. His clinical finishing and attacking prowess were instrumental in giving Bochum an early lead. Unfortunately, an injury forced him to come off in the second half, but his impact in the first half was undeniable. Boadu’s double underscored his importance to Bochum’s offensive lineup and his potential to be a key player in the future.
Conclusion
The Bundesliga’s Matchday 21 saw several players rise to the occasion, delivering standout performances that contributed significantly to their teams’ results. From the goalkeeping heroics of Moritz Nicolas to the defensive stalwarts Chrislain Matsima and Danilho Doekhi, and the attacking brilliance of midfielders Joshua Kimmich, Michael Olise, Xavi Simons, and Benedict Hollerbach, the selected team reflects a blend of skill, leadership, and versatility. The strikers Benjamin Sesko and Myron Boadu further highlighted the league’s talent with their goal-scoring feats. This team of the week not only showcases the best performances but also sets a high standard for future matchdays.
