Match awards from Bayern Munich’s lackluster 2-2 draw against Freiburg

Bayern Munich’s game against Freiburg was a very exciting, nail-biting affair. Both sides came into the game with great intent, and displayed a lot of willingness to attack. Bayern had more chances, but failed to score more goals due to a sensational performance from GK Mark Flekken and some less than satisfactory passing in the final third.

Without further ado, here are the players who stood out in today’s game:

Jersey Swap: Mark Flekken

A very easy choice, despite there being some superb performers for Freiburg. Flekken was on prime Neuer mode today, making at least 8 superb saves, most of them from close range. The highlight of his game today were the 4(!!) great saves he made against Lewandowski, including a double save, denying the Pole the opportunity to cross he 40 goal mark and break Gerd’s record. A very inspired performance.

Der Bomber: Robert Lewandowski

Robert Lewandowski the record breaker. Sure, it wasn’t the regular 2-3 goal Lewandowski performance we’ve come to expect, but it was a really good performance in the attacking third from the Polish hitman. An expertly taken penalty took him to the top of the single-season goal scoring charts, tying him with Bayern legend Gerd Müller.

Aside from that, Lewandowski was super active in the attack, helping with build up play, feeding his teammates with some otherworldly through balls that they really should have converted, and troubling the Freiburg defense all game. An exceptional game from Flekken was what prevented Lewandowski from having many more goals.

Der Fußballgott: Joshua Kimmich

Another really good performance from the German midfielder, who was like an expert sniper all game, spraying precise balls all over the pitch, helping with defensive duties and making some Beckenbauer-esque runs to create space for his teammates and split open the Freiburg defense. With a passing accuracy of 92.4%, Kimmich showed yet again why he’s the world’s best no. 6. Bayern has to make tying him down to Munich long term a priority.

Der Kaiser: Alexander Nübel

What a way to show the Bayern brass his talent and ability! Take a bow, Alex! Manuel Neuer’s heir apparent was really good today. He made 4 superb saves and kept Bayern in the game with his timely blocks. He was also good with his ball distribution and helped with the build up from the back. The first goal could’ve used some better positioning, but it was a difficult one to save since the defense let him out to dry, while Freiburg’s second showed the few chinks in his armor.

However, we can be pretty confident that he will improve on those attributes, and with more game time and experience, he should get better and better. If today’s game was supposed to serve an indicator for Nübel’s future, I’d say Bayern has to hold on to him, because it sure feels like he’s destined for great things.

Honorary mention: Niklas Süle

Niklas Süle put in a very solid shift, and kept Bayern’s right flank closed for large periods. His link-up play with Sane was good, and he made an incredible block to prevent a surefire Freiburg goal.

Meister of the Match: Jerome Boateng

What a game from the German defender. I’m convinced that he showed Jogi Löw, who was seated in the stands just what the defense of Die Mannschaft is missing. With a game high passing accuracy of 92.9%, 3 aerial duels won and 6 great tackles and blocks, Boateng was everywhere in the defensive side of things for Bayern. Yes, the entire defense was caught off guard for Bayern’s first, but if there was any defender who really deserved an award today, it was Boateng.

It will be sad to see Boateng move away from a club that he’s given his all for. He was dependable whenever called upon, and his long balls created some really good chances for the Bayern attack. One thing is certain — whichever club lands him in the summer is destined for great things.