Werkself stars feature in Kicker rankings

Amongst Bundesliga goalkeepers Bernd Leno is named second behind Manuel Neuer in the ‘International class’. “Made it into the Euros squad thanks to a very consistent second half of the season. Above all, outstanding in an impressive Leverkusen run-in,” was the assessment of the Kicker editors who rated the new Werkself shot-stopper signed from FC Ingolstadt Ramazan Öczan in the ‘Extended group’ as: “Absolutely reliable and dependable giving no cause for criticism.”

As expected, central defenders Ömer Toprak and Jonathan Tah were rated highly with Toprak in fifth place in the ‘International class’ two places ahead of Tah in the ‘Extended group’. On Toprak: “Came back from injury to be the leader of the defence. Strong in the air, a good organiser and leader.” Tah’s convincing performances were assessed as follows: “Deserved to be called up to the Euros thanks to extremely consistent displays. Incredible the way the 20-year-old played in possession, with physical presence, strength in challenges yet with surprising pace.” Danny da Costa made it the ‘Prospects’ section – with the following assessment: “The Ingolstadt player returned refreshed after a serious injury: dynamic and adventurous.”

The Werkself representation in defensive midfield is also impressive. Arturo Vidal, who played first played in Europe for Bayer 04, is in first place and in in the ‘World class’ section. His fellow countryman Charles Aránguiz is third in the ranking in the ‘International class’ as is new signing Julian Baumgartlinger in fifth spot. Kevin Kampl is ninth in the ‘Extended group’.

The assessment of Aránguiz (“The turbo charge”): “He was ruled out for months with a torn Achilles shortly after arriving in Leverkusen. The Chilean only returned in April – and went into overdrive straight away. First in the league (two goals and two assists) and then at the Copa America (eight games, one goal).” Baumgartlinger was named ‘The chief’: “A player, who moves play up front quickly and scores himself (two goals). The new Leverkusen defender underlined his value as captain with 12.27 kilometres covered per game and ball winner number one. Mutated into a real challenge monster – and absolute chief at Mainz 05.”