DFB Pokal: Leverkusen vs Bremen – Key Battles

diego

Every great football match is made up of both team and individual battles, and the DFB Pokal final this weekend between the Bayer Leverkusen and Werder Bremen will be no different.

Both sides have failed to qualify for Europe after poor Bundesliga seasons, so the cup final represents a glorious chance to rescue something from disappointing campaigns and at least secure a place in the new Europa League next season.

Renato Augusto vs. Diego

A lot will depend on which of the mercurial Brazilians gains the upper hand on Saturday. The final will be Diego’s final game for Werder after his move to Italian side Juventus was confirmed earlier this week. Having missed out on the UEFA Cup final due to a stupid suspension, Diego will want to leave Werder with a trophy before his move to Serie A.

Renato Augusto looks ready to inherit Diego’s mantle as the Bundesliga’s resident Brazilian midfield maestro. Following his summer move from Flamengo, the 21-year-old has shown that he can live up to the hype surrounding him, and this season has arguably been Bayer’s best player. He looks set to join a long list of Brazilians who have enjoyed successful times with the Werkself.

Simon Rolfes vs. Torsten Frings

Things will be hotly contested in the middle of the park and the two midfield enforcers Simon Rolfes and Torsten Frings will no doubt see plenty of action in key areas. Their personal battle will be one to watch.

The match up takes on increased significance with regards the German national team as both players are battling for the same spot in Joachim Loew’s World Cup side. Frings is the experienced elder statesman, whereas Rolfes is the young pretender.

Both do an important job in front of the back fours, both are highly combative and both will want to walk away with a winner’s medal on Saturday. One of them will be disappointed.

Patrick Helmes vs. Naldo

With Per Mertesacker out injured, much of the responsibility for keeping Leverkusen at bay will fall on Brazilian centre-back Naldo. Up against him will be Patrick Helmes, who hit the back of the net 21 times in the Bundesliga, making him the fourth most prolific striker in the league.

Naldo will look to get forward when the opportunity presents itself and expect to see any free kicks from distance hit by his powerful boot. His recent goal in the UEFA Cup final wasn’t enough to see Werder lift the trophy, so another goal in the DFB Pokal would go down very well.

Posted on May 29, 2009 | Filed Under Football