Ranking and Grading Dortmund's Players on Champions League Performances so Far

Borussia Dortmund have qualified for the next round of the Champions League in emphatic fashion with nine points from nine and a mighty goal difference of plus-12.

Despite a horrid time in the Bundesliga, where the side sit in the relegation spots, Jurgen Klopp’s team have confirmed that they still hold the key to overcoming all before them when the warm glow of the Champions League shines upon them

Here are the rankings and gradings for each of Dortmund’s stars who played a significant part in their successful Champions League campaign thus far.

Goalkeeper and Defence

Michael Sohn/Associated Press

Sokratis Papastathopoulos – A

Sokratis Papastathopoulos is technically Dortmund’s third-choice central defender, yet, as we’ve seen in the Champions League this season, he’s been the real leader in defence.

The Greece international has continued to thrive with every addition to his remit at Dortmund and this year’s European campaign is no different.

Lukasz Piszczek – A

Polish right-back Lukasz Piszczek may have missed Dortmund’s opening clash with Arsenal, but he has made up for that and performed admirably in each of his side’s next three games.

The attacking wide-player really offers a new dimension to the Dortmund attack and, as we saw against Galatasaray on Tuesday for Marco Reus’ opening goal, the full-back can pick out some wonderful assists.

Neven Subotic – B

Despite playing in each of Dortmund’s four games in the Champions League this season, central defender Neven Subotic has also looked far from his best so far.

Perhaps more notable alongside the raw power of Sokratis or the technique of Hummels, Subotic at times looks like the second best defender when the other two are playing alongside him.

Marcel Schmelzer - B

Although Dortmund may regard Marcel Schmelzer as something of a backup full-back these days, the Germany international played both of the club’s first two games in the Champions League before picking up an injury.

Erik Durm – B

Undoubtedly the first-choice left-back for Dortmund now, young Erik Durm has looked much stronger in the Champions League than he has in the Bundesliga this season.

Given more space and time against more open opponents, the attacking full-back has looked like the rising star that he truly is when gallivanting through midfielders in Europe this year.

Roman Weidenfeller – C

The Dortmund goalkeeper has been ever present for his club in the Champions League this season but has at times looked rather suspect between the posts.

Although the club have only conceded one goal in four games, the shot-stopper could have done more to confirm his spot in the starting XI.

Mats Hummels – C

Despite looking like his old self at times this season, club captain Mats Hummels has been the victim of a number of minor injuries and has since only played a very brief part in this Champions League campaign.

Midfield

Michael Sohn/Associated Press

Shinji Kagawa – A

Despite lingering doubts over his effectiveness after returning from a poor stint at Manchester United, Shinji Kagawa has been parachuted into this squad and set about picking up where he left off.

This is just as evident in the Champions League, where the Japanese star has thrived in Dortmund’s midfield.

Sebastian Kehl – A

Dortmund have looked more tenacious in Europe this season, and it has been in no small part down to Sebastian Kehl ‘s performances against Arsenal, Galatasaray and Anderlecht.

Despite his age, Kehl has rolled back the years and once again proved himself as a rock in the heart of the midfield.

Kevin Grosskreutz – B

Despite only playing two games in this season’s Champions League, Kevin Grosskreutz gets extra points for his play in both goals against Arsenal.

As ever, the loyal Dortmund play has taken to each task asked of him in this season’s competition, despite how limited they may have been.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan – B

Armenian attacking midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan may have missed the match against Anderlecht but in the matches against Arsenal and Galatasaray he has looked every bit as essential to Dortmund’s strong start in the competition.

Sven Bender – C

This season has been a tough one for Sven Bender. The young midfielder holds all the promise in the world, yet for one reason or another has looked far from his old self in the Bundesliga and at times in the Champions League too.

Still an integral part of the midfield, but at times a passenger among the more notable players.

Attack

Martin Meissner/Associated Press

Marco Reus – A

He may have only played two games but in his matches against Galatasaray Marco Reus has again proven why he is one of the best players in Europe right now.

Two goals to the good, this forward has already proven just why Dortmund have the potential and talent to take on any side in Europe this season.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – A

In just four games, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has scored three goals and created two assists according to website Transfermarkt.

The pacy forward has spearheaded Dortmund’s attack in the Champions League and finally shown just what he can offer Klopp’s side.

Ciro Immobile – A

In no time at all, Ciro Immobile has proven himself to be a vital member of Dortmund’s squad in just three successful games in the Champions League.

His solitary goal against Arsenal will undoubtedly be the highlight of his group stages, but the two he scored against Anderlecht and Galatasaray now means he has a goal for every appearance, making him a very impressive goalscorer for the side.

Adrian Ramos - A

In quite a remarkable manner, Adrian Ramos has scored three goals in this season’s Champions League despite making incredibly minimal appearances for the side.

His two late goals against Anderlecht went on to confirm the tie for Dortmund, while his solitary goal against Galatasaray went down as something of a consolation. Nevertheless, the Colombian forward has been on form in Europe.