VfL Bochum vs Bayer Leverkusen Player Ratings: Miyoshi Has the Final Say Against the Wounded Defending Champions

After the ‘not-so-homecoming’ fixture against the mighty Reds, Alonso’s team went on head to head with the VfL Bochum men in Saturday’s Bundesliga fixture. Their travel to Vonovia Ruhrstadion without a doubt was an inspiring one. Prior to the match Alonso’s team were sitting in the 4th position of the table while the Host of the match were in 18th.

There were no doubts that the travelling team had only focus in the mind, and it was to win. If we talk about the previous fixtures, Bayer looked promising in the first half in their European fixture at Anfield. The visitors kept the Reds at bay for more than 60 minutes. While Die Schwarzroten were about to up the anti, Arne Slot’s team netted 4 goals in the last 30 minutes, taking all hope from the visitors. Luis Diaz in particular had a blast with a hattrick, riling up the Kopites and the Scousers.

On the other hand, VfL Bochum were humbled by Eintracht Frankfurt in their recent fixture. The scoreline was 7-2. While there might be inside issues in management that had led to a humiliating results, the fans are hopeful that a managerial change might bring a new change for the better.

As the match kicked off, things were all square. That was until Patrik Schick broken the deadlock in 18th minute. The travelling team were close to double the lead but Hincapie’s left-footed shot was a little off as it went pass the goal. The scoreline remained the same by the end of first half.

It all seemed to be under control until Miyoshi spoiled the Bayer Leverkusen party in the last stages of game. The defending champions endure yet another setback. The VfL Bochum vs Bayer Leverkusen game ended in a draw.

VfL Bochum Player Ratings vs Bayer Leverkusen

Goalkeeper

Drewes (5/10)

Had a good game overall, except for the goal which he conceded. However, it was amended by the substitution Miyoshi.

Defenders

Wittek (4.5/10)

Had an average game. Not that impactful as he would have preferred.

Holtman (4/10)

Bayer had 11 total shots compared to the host’s 15. While the defender had an average performance, this is one stat to look forward to.

Medio (4/10)

An average performance for the defender. Played a part in the ‘not so effective backline’ of the club.

Passlack (4/10)

With an xG of 0.63, it was a no brainer of the lack of high line in the defense. The defender got subbed later on.

Oermann (4.5/10)

There was a total of 11 interceptions from the VfL Bochum defenders. Yet there was no one to stop the P. Schick goal.

Midfielders

Sissoko (4.5/10)

With 89% of accurate passing in the midfield of the travelling team, it was a no brainer why Sissoko and co. was lost in the midfield.

Bero (4/10)

4 less touches in the opposition box than the travelling team. Even though, the game would have had a different result if the last minute goal was not scored, the team should focus on the conversion.

Losilla (4.5/10)

A below average performance from the midfielder. Needs to step up the levels.

Forwards

Hofmann (4/10)

The forwards need to focus on conversion. The end product is just not there.

Borschinski (4/10)

Struggled in the frontline against the defending champion. Got subbed of and in came Miyoshi who scored to tie the game.

Manager

Dieter Hecking (4/10)

Content with the draw against the defending champions. However, his team could’ve done more.

Substitutions

Daschner (4/10)

Came on for Losilla. Played a part in the unmotivated VfL Bochum team.

Gamboa (4.5/10)

Was expected to rally up the team along with his teammate after coming on. But, by that time, Bayer had the game under control.

Miyoshi (5.5/10)

The one who spoiled the Bayer party late in the game. Apart from the goal by the Japanese, VfL Bochum were struggling throughout the match. The Japanese saved the day.

De Wit (4/10)

Wanted to come in early. Seen the game off and was happy to tie the fixture.

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Bayer Leverkusen Player Ratings vs VfL Bochum

Goalkeeper

Hradecky (5.5/10)

Had a great game until that last minute goal he conceded.

Defenders

Tapsoba (5/10)

Played a big part in the defense. The whopping 40 duels won by the team is a testament to that.

Tah (5.5/10)

The trusty German International did well. However, it is expected from him to have the presence in the field that demands focus from the rest.

Hincapie (5/10)

Couple of good overlapping runs. Almost doubled the lead in the first half. But it was an average performance.

Midfielders

Frimpong (5.5/10)

The Dutch International needs to come out of the shock. The expectations are way higher especially since what he had done last season.

Andrich (5/10)

The regular midfielder needs to up the anti as well. Certainly played a part in the staggering 644 accurate passes.

Xhaka (5.5/10)

The ex-Arsenal man had a good game. He surely would have preferred the team to create more chances and get the win after the crushing defeat at Anfield.

Grimaldo (5.5/10)

Played a big part in the 377 passes in the opposition half. The Spaniard had a good game.

Hofmann (5/10)

A below average performance from the midfielder. Would have preferred to be on the ball more.

Wirtz (6/10)

While the German International was invisible in their fixture against Liverpool, he was the main man behind the P. Schick finish, which was the difference of the match.

Forwards

Schick (6/10)

Scored the only and winning goal. Was unfortunate to get booked with a yellow card. A decent performance from the forward. Got substituted later by Boniface.

Substitutions

Tella (5/10)

Came in the filed as a replacement for Hofmann. Had an okay game.

Boniface (4/10)

Came for Schick after he got a yellow card. Seen the rest of the game through.

Garcia (4/10)

Manager

Xabi Alonso (5/10)

Definitely not the result for the Spanish manager. Would have preferred a win after the European fixture disaster.

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