Well now, let me tell ya about that game between FSV Mainz and Union Berlin, that one on August 20, 2023, in the Bundesliga. It was a real nail-biter! Both teams gave it their all, but in the end, the match ended up 1-1. Ain’t that something? Now, let’s get into the player ratings, ’cause I know folks wanna know who did good and who didn’t quite make the mark.
FSV Mainz Player Ratings:

- Goalkeeper – Robin Zentner: 7/10 – Now, this lad did alright between the sticks. A couple of good saves, kept his team in the game when Union Berlin came at him strong. Not much he could do about that equalizer, though.
- Defender – Alexander Hack: 6/10 – A little shaky here and there. He was alright, but didn’t really show up when his team needed him. Couple of misjudged headers, and didn’t track his man properly on a few occasions.
- Defender – Moussa Niakhaté: 8/10 – Now this fella was solid. Big and strong, he won his duels in the air and on the ground. Kept things tight at the back, and didn’t give Union Berlin many chances to break through.
- Defender – Leandro Barreiro: 6.5/10 – I’d say he was decent, but not great. He did a lot of the dirty work, breaking up plays and making tackles. Still, could’ve been more of a presence in the box during corners.
- Midfielder – Anton Stach: 7.5/10 – Now, here’s a fella who knows how to hustle. Stach was everywhere, working his socks off both defensively and going forward. He got stuck in, and even though he didn’t get on the scoresheet, he helped set up attacks.
- Midfielder – Jae-Sung Lee: 6.5/10 – A bit quiet in the middle of the park. Didn’t really impose himself on the game much. He did get involved, but not in the big moments. Needs to take more risks.
- Midfielder – Karim Onisiwo: 7/10 – Onisiwo was a constant threat on the right wing. He whipped in a couple of good crosses and got involved in the build-up play. Could’ve been more clinical, but he showed some good footwork.
- Forward – Marcus Ingvartsen: 5.5/10 – Well now, this one wasn’t great. A couple of chances came his way, but he couldn’t get the job done. Maybe his head wasn’t fully in it, or maybe the Union Berlin defense was just too much for him.
- Forward – Jean-Philippe Mateta: 6/10 – Mateta had a tough time. Not really sure what was going on with him, but he seemed a bit off his game. Had a few moments, but didn’t finish when it mattered.
- Forward – Karim Adeyemi: 7.5/10 – Adeyemi had a good game. Fast as lightning, and he had Union Berlin defenders on their toes all match long. Got his goal and looked sharp. I’d say he’s one of the brighter spots for Mainz this season.
Union Berlin Player Ratings:
- Goalkeeper – Frederik Rønnow: 7/10 – Rønnow was steady in goal. Had a couple of key saves and kept his side from conceding more. There wasn’t much he could do about the goal from Mainz, but he was a solid presence throughout.
- Defender – Robin Knoche: 8/10 – Knoche was the leader at the back. He won headers, made clearances, and just looked solid all around. Every time Mainz threatened, he was there to block it.
- Defender – Paul Jaeckel: 7/10 – Not bad at all. Jaeckel held his ground, didn’t make too many mistakes, and was quick to close down spaces. Could’ve been a little sharper when Mainz got in behind though.
- Defender – Diogo Leite: 6.5/10 – He had a couple of shaky moments. Lost his man once or twice and was a little slow to react when Mainz counter-attacked. Needs to clean that up.
- Midfielder – Janik Haberer: 7/10 – Haberer worked hard, no doubt. Got stuck in, won a few tackles, and kept the ball ticking in the midfield. He had a good all-around game but wasn’t a standout.
- Midfielder – Rani Khedira: 6.5/10 – Khedira wasn’t the driving force today. He did his job in the midfield but didn’t offer much going forward. Could’ve been more involved in the attacking play.
- Midfielder – Aissa Laidouni: 7/10 – Laidouni had a decent game, linking up play and trying to push forward. He was lively and worked hard to keep things ticking in the middle of the park.
- Forward – Sheraldo Becker: 8.5/10 – Becker was the star man for Union Berlin. He got a goal and was a real handful for Mainz defenders. His pace and ability to beat his man made him a constant threat.
- Forward – Kevin Behrens: 7/10 – Behrens didn’t get on the scoresheet, but he worked hard. He was involved in the build-up and made good runs. Could’ve done better with a couple of chances, but he kept the Mainz defense busy.
- Forward – Jamie Leweling: 6.5/10 – Leweling was quiet for most of the game. Didn’t really make much of an impact. Needs to be more involved if he wants to make a difference in these kinds of matches.
So, there ya go. Both teams fought hard, and there were some good performances on both sides. Union Berlin, with their solid defense and quick attack, looked the better team overall. But Mainz, well, they kept it close and didn’t give up. That’s football for ya. One minute you’re up, the next minute it’s all level. But that’s why we love it, ain’t it?
Tags:[FSV Mainz, Union Berlin, player ratings, Bundesliga, August 2023, football match, soccer review, German Bundesliga, Mainz vs Union Berlin]