Winner of the game, grades and individual criticism from the BVB pros

In the thumping victory against Cologne, a nominal full-back confirms his very personal upward trend and shines as a playmaker. In the BVB offensive, two black and yellow problem children soar to great achievements.

Match winner: Raphaël Guerreiro (BVB)

The Portuguese continues to flourish in the BVB control center. You could have guessed it earlier, in recent years Guerreiro has shone time and again in midfield and even as a left-back he often acts as a covert playmaker. If he can play offensively, Guerreiro is definitely in the mood. It’s good for him and it’s good for Dortmund. Maybe sports director Sebastian Kehl will reconsider whether he doesn’t want to keep the fine technician.

Match winner: Donyell Malen (BVB)

Just like Guerreiro with one goal and two assists – it was perhaps the Dutchman’s best performance in a BVB jersey. Now it is important that painting finally constantly calls up its potential. The next few weeks will probably also decide on his future. Today he at least banged the advertising drum vigorously.

Loser of the game: Anthony Modeste (BVB)

Anthony Modeste probably imagined things differently a few months ago. Hissed at by former fans when they came on, ignored at best by their own. The striker only got a very short chance against Cologne because coach Edin Terzic didn’t want to put too much strain on Sébastien Haller and he gave the brace the applause of the fans. Modeste, on the other hand, was only noticed when there was a chance to score – how fitting. You can almost feel sorry for the striker.

Loser of the game: Benno Schmitz (1. FC Cologne)

Although Jonas Hector had his hands full with Dortmund’s strong right attacking side and couldn’t always keep up, Cologne’s right-back had an even worse day. Schmitz, whose role was briefly on the brink after warming up, lost the ball 13 times in the first 45 minutes alone – in the end he had the most on the pitch. In addition, apart from his pass to Selke in front of his goal (42nd), he played some hair-raising bad passes.

BVB vs. 1. FC Köln: The line-ups

BVB: goalkeeper

Alexander Meyer: Because Kobel was no longer fit for the substitute bench, the substitute had to play again. Certainly when Adamyan shot (20th). Strong save against the first attempt by Cologne striker Davie Selke, against the second there was no herb (42nd). Shortly before the end with a great reflex (80th). Note 3.

BVB: Defense

Marius Wolf: The first invitation to the national team gave the all-rounder more self-confidence. But against Cologne, Wolf started with a risky back pass to his own keeper. Made up for the slip with a strong rescue slide against Selke. Shortcoming: clearly too many turnovers (16). Grade: 3.5.

Niklas Sule: Great game by the central defender. 67 ball actions and seven ball wins alone before the break. Always intervened in the attacks. Even secured a scorer point with the assist before the 4:0 and just failed with a header on the post (89th). Grade: 2.5.

Nico Schlotterbeck: Stable appearance of the defense chief. Almost always had the defensive under control – but not too much of a challenge against the mostly harmless guests. In the first round best duel at Dortmund. Overall with the most ball actions at BVB (92). Grade: 2.5.

Julian Ryerson: Started with a pass to nowhere. But he recovered and closed the left-back properly. In the game forward without the really big actions. Grade: 3.5.

BVB: Midfield

Mahmoud Dahoud: Can suspended, Özcan not available for a short time due to a gastrointestinal infection – so Dahoud was allowed to play in defensive midfield again. Did the job very attentively and excelled as a ball distributor. A bit lucky that his handball was not penalized with a penalty (27th). Great free kick in front of the fifth BVB goal. Grade: 2.

Jude Bellingham: For a long time just ran after the balls, but then reported back impressively in the game with a dream pass to Malen (31st). Not as conspicuous as for long stretches of the season, maybe he could use a creative break. Grade: 3.5.

Raphael Guerreiro: Equipped with all freedoms, always on the move as a playmaker in the center. Confirmed his strong trend and gave BVB a 1-0 lead (15th). Followed up with the assists to make it 2-0 and 3-0. The Portuguese has already prepared eight goals, making him the assist king of BVB. Rating: 1.5.

BVB: Attack

Donyell Paint: Strong preparatory work before Dortmund’s second goal. Brilliant acceptance of the ball in his big chance against Cologne keeper Schwäbe. Gathered so much confidence that in the 37th minute he shot the ball irresistibly into the goal. Grade: 1.5

Marco Reus: Held back for a long time with brilliant ideas and left the field to Guerreiro. But then on the spot when it counted: strong overview and great technique before the 3:0. And he didn’t take long to make it 6-1 either (70′). Grade: 2.

Sebastien Haller: After a number of games far under the radar, finally a factor in the BVB game again. Shot dry from 12 meters to make it 2-0 (17th) and later followed up with the sweeper to make it 5-1 (69th). Starting point of Dortmund’s sixth goal. Grade: 2.

BVB: Substitute

Anthony Modest: Was allowed to play for Haller in the last 20 minutes. Hard to see in game. No rating.

Gioro Reyna: Came in for Reus in the 72nd minute. Without affecting the game. No rating.

Thomas Meunier: Replaced Malen after 72 minutes. Most recently helped out in BVB’s second team and was now allowed to play on the big stage again. Made no mistake on his usual right-back. No rating.

Mats Hummels: Dahoud gave way after 79 minutes for the 2014 World Champion. No rating.

Tom Rothe: Was allowed to come on for Ryerson after 79 minutes. Introduced himself well with a courageous sliding tackle. Without mistakes. No rating.