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Jersey Swap: Dusan Tadic
The former Southampton man terrorized the Bayern Munich defense all night, providing an assist and creating a few dangerous chances that Bayern was lucky to stop. His success was indicative of just how shambolic Bayern’s team defending was on the day. Honestly, anyone from the Ajax attack could have been selected for this award. They ran circles around the Die Roten backline.
Tip of the Cap: Thomas Muller
Thomas Muller was his normal active and dangerous self. He is arguably one of the best pressing attackers in the world as he dispossessed and frustrated the Ajax defense. Unfortunately, the Raumdeuter and Robert Lewandowski were forced to face a packed box due to the limited support coming from different areas of the pitch.
Golf Clap: Mats Hummels
Mats Hummels scored and made a few key tackles to save the day for Bayern. It was good to see him get his header in the back of the net and his movement to get open in the box was impressive. He was complicit in Bayern’s poor defensive shape, but him and his partner Jerome Boateng did what they could to keep the Ajax attack at bay.
Standing Ovation: The Substitutes
James Rodriguez and Serge Gnabry came on and made an immediate impact on the match. Neither could execute the finishing blow, but the attack looked the best it had all day with the pair on the field. Both should have started the match and might become frustrated with their current roles if those in front of them continue to disappoint. The creativity and energy they bring the this team is vital.
Meister of the Match: Manuel Neuer
Thank the soccer gods for Manuel Neuer.
The one positive from tn. NEUER IS A GOD! #FCBAJA pic.twitter.com/JA3h0m5AP2
— Bavarian Football Works (@BavarianFBWorks) October 2, 2018
The German international came up time and time again with big saves and clearances to keep the Bavarian giants in the match. He was peppered with shots and showed composure on the ball as is the norm for the OG sweeper keeper. He looks to be returning to his best following a frustrating year. If the rest of the team can pull their weight, anything is possible with Neuer between the posts.