Back
24.01.2022Bayer 04

News in brief: Moussa Diaby ‘Player of the Matchday’

Six Bayer 04 players have been rewarded for their performances in last weekend's 5-1 home win against FC Augsburg with nominations for top teams on matchday 20 – Moussa Diaby obviously leads the way. Bayer 04 also congratulate a current Werkself striker and a former head coach on their birthdays – Monday's news in brief.
crop_20220122_JS_B04_FCA_2431.jpg

A successful matchday for the Black and Reds: Not only was the result right in the home win against FC Augsburg but the team performance as well as individual displays by the Werkself players can be described as extremely successful. Moussa Diaby, Jeremie Frimpong, Mitchel Bakker, Robert Andrich, Florian Wirtz and Lucas Alario were all considered for the top teams across the media.

Diaby received 04 nominations: The Frenchman scored his first hat-trick as a professional player with just four shots in the game against FCA and he was justly rewarded with inclusion in the Team of the Week in BILD, kicker, on the Sportschau and for the DFL. The football magazine kicker gave the hat-trick hero top marks and named him ‘Player of the Matchday’.

Top speed and ball-winning ability

Jeremie Frimpong's appearance was marked by inclusion in the BILD, kicker and on the DFL website. With a total of 45 sprints and a top speed of 34.8 kmph, the 21-year-old produced the top stats in the game. He also earned a high 1.5 mark in kicker.

Midfield dynamo Robert Andrich and defender Mitchel Bakker were also considered. In addition, Bakker – like his teammates Diaby Frimpong – was included in the DFL ‘Team of the Week’. The Dutch defender provided the assist for the opener in the Leverkusen goal fest.

The BILD team of the matchday included the two Leverkusen players Lucas Alario and Florian Wirtz in addition to Diaby and Frimpong. The 18-year-old set a personal record of 102 touches of the ball. Carry on, lads.

congratulations to striker and former Coach

Patrik Schick has every reason to be happy on his 26th birthday today: The Czech Republic centre forward, at Leverkusen since the summer of 2020, can spend his birthday with his family instead of on the pitch – the Werkself start training on Tuesday this week. Schick can also look back at an impressive record of 18 goals in 17 Bundesliga matches – no other Bayer 04 player has ever achieved that before at this point in the season. Here’s to further success in a Werkself shirt, Patrik. Enjoy your day and stay fit and healthy.

Black and Red birthday greetings are also sent to Kärnten: Robin Dutt, head coach of the Werkself from July 2011 to April 2012, today celebrates his 57th birthday. The Cologne-born coach has been at the helm of the Austrian club Wolfsberger AC since the summer and they are currently third in Austria's top-flight. Many happy returns to you, too.

Related News

Kurzpässe vor #SGEB04
Bundesliga - 31.01.2026

Matchday news #SGEB04: Extend longest winning run - Eintracht with interim coaches

The thrilling 3-1 win for Bayer 04 against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Hinrunde is a fond memory for Alejandro Grimaldo, with his brace from free kicks, and coach Kasper Hjulmand, who was in the dugout under the Cross for the first time. Now comes the return fixture in the metropolis on the River Main and after going out of the DFB Pokal and the Champions League, the full focus at Eintracht, currently managed by two interim coaches, is now on the Bundesliga. For their part, the Werkself will do everything in their power to continue the longest winning run against a Bundesliga club. The matchday news.

Show more
Artem Stepanov
Bayer 04 - 30.01.2026

Artem Stepanov recalled from Nürnberg and loaned to Utrecht

Bayer 04 have ended Artem Stepanov’s loan deal at Nürnberg and agreed a new loan to Utrecht in the Netherlands. The Ukrainian striker did not play as much as hoped for at the Bundesliga 2 club and will now continue his development in the Eredivisie for the rest of 2025/26.

Show more
Die PK vor dem Auswärtsspiel bei Eintracht Frankfurt | 20. Spieltag
Werkself-TV - 30.01.2026

Hjulmand ahead of #SGEB04: ‘Build on our good performances’

After back-to-back wins at home, Bayer 04 are now out for their first away win of 2026 as they visit Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday (15:30 CET). Ahead of the Matchday 20 fixture in the Bundesliga, Kasper Hjulmand spoke about renewed confidence, Frankfurt’s recent issues and Patrik Schick’s form so far this year.

Show more
Eintracht Frankfurt
Bundesliga - 30.01.2026

Our next opponents: Frankfurt turn attentions to Bundesliga

Eintracht Frankfurt are yet to win a game in 2026 and have managed only one victory in their last 12 competitive fixtures. Having already been eliminated from the DFB Pokal and the UEFA Champions League, the Eagles are now focusing solely on the Bundesliga as they seek to get their season back on track with the visit of the Werkself on Saturday afternoon. Here’s the lowdown on our next opponents…

Show more