Germany player ratings as Marco Reus shows he's back for good against Saudi Arabia

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  • Marco Reus of Germany takes a shot against Saudi Arabia.

    World Cup holders Germany have signed off their preparations for this summer’s event with a 2-1 friendly win against Saudi Arabia – their first triumph in five matches.

    In the absence of controversially cut Manchester City winger Leroy Sane, a tap-in from Timo Werner and own goal from Al Nassr centre-back Omar Hawsawi earned a 2-0 half-time lead.

    But the Green Falcons – preparing for a first global tournament since 2006 – remained undaunted. They gained respectability through veteran Al Ahli Jeddah midfielder Taisir Al Jassim’s 84th-minute rebound from Al Nassr striker Mohammad Al Sahlawi’s weak penalty after Juventus midfielder Sami Khedira’s trip on the former.

    Here are our player ratings for the hosts at Leverkusen’s BayArena:

    GERMANY (4-2-3-1)

    Manuel Neuer – 6: A gentle 45 minutes of work for the returning Bayern Munich No1 after last term’s injury disaster. Graver tests will await in Russia.

    Joshua Kimmich – 7: Chipped up a fantastic ball from centre field to spark Germany’s opener. Was also given a decent test by Saudi Arabia left winger Yahya Al Shehri.

    Jerome Boateng – 6: Very little to report from the Bayern man’s half on the pitch as defending was largely left to his club-mate, Hummels. Should still retain starting spot ahead of another colleague in Niklas Sule.

    Mats Hummels – 7: The pace of lone striker Fahad Al Muwallad kept Hummels honest. Was required to make several stretched challenges. Forced an early save in other penalty box.

    Jonas Hector – 7: Showed alertness – piqued many times before in Cologne’s dismal Bundesliga campaign – to block Salem Al Dawsari’s inviting low centre for Al Muwallad in the first half.

    Sami Khedira – 6: His 75th international cap featured a shot against the crossbar and later felling of eventual goalscorer Al Jassim for Saudi’s penalty.

    Toni Kroos – 7: The Real Madrid metronome seemed to play within himself, yet still gained easy midfield domination in the first half.

    Thomas Muller – 7: Was really up for this World Cup showcase. His drive inside from right side forced Omar Hawsawi in to his own goal. This was a player preparing, as usual, to come into his own during tournament play.

    Marco Reus – 8: Handed a central role by head coach Joachim Low because of Mesut Ozil’s nagging injury. Repaid the faith with a first international assists in 1,736 days for Werner. A major role could away after years of injury torment.

    Julian Draxler – 6: Another to play with the brakes on. Yet his class is undeniable and he gave Al Hilal right-back Yasser Al Shahrani a torrid time.

    Timo Werner – 7: Makes international goalscoring look utterly effortless. Instincts were on show to get in right place to lash home Reus’ cross. Eight goals in 14 run-outs for Die Mannschaft speaks for itself.

    SUBS

    Marc-Andre ter Stegen – 7: Didn’t have to strain himself to keep out substitute Mohammad Al Sahlawi’s central penalty-kick. Just couldn’t get it to safety.

    Niklas Sule – 6: Kept the Saudi attack quieter, though rolling changes helped colossal Bayern centre-back.

    Ilkay Gundogan – 6: Lively form from City looks to be taken into the summer. Almost barreled home a first international goal since 2015.

    Mario Gomez – 6: Germany’s penalty-box predator didn’t get a chance to add a 32nd international goal to his collection.

    Julian Brandt – 5: Not the most-convincing run-out after Low’s public vote of confidence.

    Matthias Ginter – N/A: Precious little to do.

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