FEATURE standout players from Bundesliga Matchday 8
Bundesliga Matchday 8 delivered another entertaining weekend of German football, with Bayern and Borussia Dortmund sharing the points in Der Klassiker, Stuttgart producing an impressive away victory against Bayer Leverkusen and Werder Bremen extending their unbeaten run under Daniel Thioune. Freiburg also completed a comeback against Augsburg, while newly promoted Elversberg continued to impress with a convincing victory over Mainz.
With Bayern and Dortmund level on 18 points at the top of the Bundesliga, the competition is already developing into an intriguing campaign. Here are five players whose performances made the difference for their teams.
Ermedin Demirović - VfB Stuttgart Ermedin Demirović delivered one of the outstanding performances of Matchday 8 as Stuttgart secured an impressive 4-2 victory away at Bayer Leverkusen. The Bosnian striker opened the scoring in the 14th minute before adding his second goal in the 65th, helping Stuttgart secure three valuable points against a direct competitor for the European positions.
Jamie Leweling and Bilal El Khannouss also scored for the visitors, while Patrik Schick and Ibrahim Maza found the net for Leverkusen. Demirović's brace demonstrated his importance to Stuttgart's attacking system.
His movement inside the penalty area and clinical finishing helped his team respond to a difficult start to the Bundesliga season. Niclas Füllkrug - Werder Bremen Niclas Füllkrug continues to demonstrate why his return to Werder Bremen has been one of the most successful transfers of the season.
The German international scored the opening goal in Bremen's 2-0 victory over Hoffenheim, breaking the deadlock in the 57th minute before Eren Dinkçi secured the result late in the second half. Füllkrug has now scored nine goals in eight Bundesliga matches, continuing his remarkable goalscoring form since returning to the Weserstadion.
His physical presence, ability to hold up possession and leadership have become essential components of Thioune's attacking system. With Bremen now fifth in the Bundesliga on 15 points, Füllkrug's performances are helping transform the club's ambitions from avoiding relegation to potentially challenging for European qualification.
Konrad Laimer - Bayern Munich Konrad Laimer delivered an impressive performance in Bayern Munich's dramatic 2-2 draw against Borussia Dortmund at the Allianz Arena. The Austrian opened the scoring in the 38th minute, reacting quickly after Gregor Kobel saved his initial effort.
It was Laimer's first Bundesliga goal of the season and gave Vincent Kompany's side the advantage in Der Klassiker. Beyond his goal, Laimer provided an important attacking outlet from right-back, repeatedly advancing into dangerous positions and creating problems for Dortmund's defence.