PLAYER RATINGS | RB Leipzig 2-0 SL Benfica – How Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side fared

After losing a game they should have probably won the day before, this was a very much freer RB Leipzig side blending youth and experience. In the event, they controlled the game from start to finish and probably could have scored more on balance. An encouraging performance from youngsters Armindo Bruma and Ibrahima Konate will have pleased Ralph Hasenhüttl before RB get their domestic campaign underway on August 13 in the DFB Pokal.

Yvon Mvogo – 6

Not a lot to do for RB Leipzig’s new Swiss-Cameroonian keeper. When called upon to make saves, he was generally neat and tidy. He was, however, caught in possession on the edge of the box in the first half and was lucky not to concede.

Benno Schmitz – 6

A quiet half for Schmitz. With Oliver Burke and Elias Abouchabaka interchanging in front of him, it could have led to him having a busy afternoon. In the event, he was comfortable and was ably supported by Ibrahim Konate in the defensive line.

Ibrahima Konate – 8

An impressive performance by the 18-year-old who might soon find himself being called upon by Leipzig if he continues to play in this manner. Slotted comfortably in next to Marvin Commper and played with an assurance that belied his age.

Marvin Commper – 8

A very good performance from the Leipzig veteran. He controlled a defence filled with unfamiliar players, some of whom were young. A nicely taken headed goal from a Dominik Kaiser free kick rounded off the day for him.

Marcel Halstenburg – 8

Finding himself in advanced positions in more than a few occasions, Halstenburg opened the scoring with a thundering shot after a neat interchange with Federico Palacios.

Oliver Burke – 7

Burke fizzed and popped all afternoon but nothing really came off for him. He regularly switched position with Elias Abouchabaka, but still showed signs of the rawness that made him so dangerous in the Championship but will need to be harnessed if he is to become a regular for Leipzig.

Dominik Kaiser © – 7

Kaiser was lively in the central midfield position and set up Commper’s goal with a whipped ball into the far post.

Konrad Laimer – 6

Sitting slightly deeper than Kaiser, Konrad Laimer looked comfortable throughout a game in which he didn’t have a huge amount to do. One of the most recent imports from the Red Bull franchise’s Austrian club in Salzburg, Laimer will be pleased with his performance.

Armindo Bruma – 8

Easily the best player on the pitch, Bruma, who was recently signed from Galatasaray, had the run of the left wing. Playing an important part in the first goal with a mazy dribble, expect to see him appearing regularly in the Bundesliga next season.

Elias Abouchabaka – 6

Pushed hard all game and worked well with Oliver Burke. Timed his runs well but couldn’t capitalise on the few chances he had.

Federico Palacios – 6

Set up the first goal with a neat interchange with Marcel Halstenburg, Palacios also failed to finish a couple of scoreable chances. Still young, he made enough of an impact to be pleased with his game.

Subs:

Philipp Kohn (GK)

Nicolas Kuhn (subbed on for Federico Palacios after 67’) – 6

Kilian Ludewig (subbed on for Elias Abouchabaka after 62’) – 6

Erik Majetschak (subbed on for Oliver Burke after 74’) – 6

J.M.

 

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