Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels has hit back at recent media criticism of his performances, saying he is not getting the credit he deserves.

The Germany international has kept a low profile in recent weeks but believes any weakness found in Dortmund’s game is being blamed on him.

“Whenever there is an opportunity to have a real go at somebody, then this tends to be taken when it comes to me,” the 26-year-old said yesterday.

“I feel I am definitely being rated unfairly and to be honest, I think I am playing a lot better than most of the media claim.

“I don’t agree with a lot that I see reported. It makes me wonder whether it is intentionally so negative.”

Hummels was dropped to the bench by Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel for Sunday’s 4-1 win over Stuttgart.

His demotion came after a mistake in the defeat to Krasnodar in the Europa League and he chose the aftermath of that game to break his silence.

“It was because the penalty was my fault and I didn’t want somebody else to have to say it,” Hummels said.