Bayer 04 in the individual review: average and total failure, but Alonso demonstrates his golden touch twice
Bayer 04 Leverkusen is in the semi-finals of the Europa League! After a weak first half, Alonso's team stabilized and finally secured their ticket to the semifinals with a 1-1 draw at West Ham. The coach has a golden nose with two substitutions. An actor is going through a very dark day. The players in the individual review.
Bayer 04 in the individual review: Kossounou lives a dark day, Tapsoba stabilizes
Matej Kovar: Czech Cup Werkself goalkeeper had a very stressful first half London The Olympiastadion doesn't always exude security either. Even when Antonio conceded a goal (13'), he was not determined enough. Like the entire team, they clearly recovered in the second half. Note 3
Piero Hincapié: The fast Ecuadorian had huge problems in the first half with his opponent Kudus and Bowen, who often switched sides. Bowen also had West Ham's only big chance in the second half (60'). It is not a masterful performance. Grade 4
Jonathan Tah: Unlike his teammates, in the first round he was often in control of the situation. The German international remained calm despite the numerous high balls that entered the area. In the second half, the 28-year-old intercepted many of the Londoners' attacks. Grade: 2.5
Odilon Kossounou: The 23-year-old will probably remember this match for a long time. The man seemed completely unwell at the strong opening of the game. Almost all the balls ended up in the opponent's hands or out of bounds. He was “redeemed” in the 29th minute when he was eliminated by Xabi Alonso. Rating: 5.5
Edmond Tapsoba (since the 29th): The Burkina Faso central defender had to calm the game after his substitution. He achieved it in an impressive way. He also had great and fair duels with the burly Antonio. With this substitution, Alonso showed that he knew exactly who his team needed in this turbulent phase. A hardened man like Tapsoba. Grade 2
Josip Stanisic: Like Hincapie, on the other hand, he had big problems with the fast outsiders Kudus and Bowen in the first half of the game and was rarely at his best. He clearly recovered after halftime when the Croatian With Frimpong he still had a figurehead on his side. Then, as always, poisonous and adherent. Rating: 3.5
Xhaka only took control of the situation after the break, Grimaldo launched himself
Xhaka Granite: The Bayer pacemaker made as many bad passes in the first half as he felt all season. Thanks to longer periods of possession, the Swiss returned to their usual routine in the second half and controlled the match. However, thanks to the first semester, clear deductions in the B grade. Rating: 3.5
Exequiel Palacios: The Argentine did not take his aggressiveness with the ball to the pitch as he usually does. He absolutely normal game of the duel monster, who did not make any big mistakes. Grade 4
Alejandro Grimaldo: Almost invisible on the field, Hincapie did not help his defender enough in the first half. He also went after the break. Spanish people Not really in the encounter with the fine foot. It's not a good performance. Rating: 4.5
Alonso's golden touch: Frimpong best man of the second round
Florian Wirtz: Even in weak games, the 20-year-old's ball handling is unmatched. However, the national player was canceled in the first half. In the second section they were clearly more present and active again, they launched several strong attacks and also looked for the goal themselves, although without luck. Note 3
Nathan Tella: The Nigerian had a good shot from long distance from the start of the match (8th). Afterwards he was no longer present, he was completely in the air. Also a victim of Alonso's change in system. Rating: 4.5
Jeremie Frimpong (from 45th place): He came into the game for Tella and made a strong impression on his right side from the start. Countless flank runs, combined with good ideas. He first missed the great opportunity to equalize (81'), but was rewarded shortly before the end. The best man of the second half, also the perfect substitute for Alonso. Grade 2
Patrick Schick: The center forward was suspended in the air, like Tella, who was next to him, in the first half. His classmates didn't put him in the spotlight and he didn't have a chance. Rating: 4.5
Víctor Bonifacio (from position 45): It was a much more rewarding match for the Nigerian than for his fellow striker Schick. Bayer had much more action in the area, so the forward line was also well integrated. But also with a bad pass. Rating: 3.5
Robert Andrich (87): Unrated
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