Following their 4-0 thrashing over Union Berlin, Bayer Leverkusen have returned to the top of the table on 31 points and have equalled the record set for most points after 11 games in the Bundesliga.
The previous record set was by Bayern Munich where Leverkusen’s coach, Xabi Alonso, starred in the 15/16 title winning team.
However, this season could be very different. Leverkusen have been a team reborn under Xabi Alonso since he arrived in October 2022 where he inherited a team that languished near the bottom of the Bundesliga.
However fast forward a year and we are seeing a rejuvenated Leverkusen team. The Spanish tactician has transformed his side with the help of the 3-4-3 formation and they are now dominating the teams they play with their captivating football.
Before getting onto the main stars this season, a special mention is worth giving to both of the wingbacks, Alejandro Grimaldo and Jeremie Frimpong. They have been putting up some crazy numbers from that wingback spot and they attribute to a lot of the success we are seeing Leverkusen have at the moment.
After suffering a devastating ACL injury, it was unsure whether Florian Wirtz would come back the same player. And in fact, he hasn’t. He has come back better! The young German international has slipped seamlessly back into gear and has already provided 10 assists this season.
Given the license to roam freely by Alonso, the wonder kid has displayed his strengths time and time again this season. Effective dribbling, intelligent movement and sublime passing are just 3 to name. The creative midfielder will be key to any title challenge Leverkusen may mount.
A Nigerian striker called Victor has been tearing it up this season, and I don’t mean Osimhen. 22-year-old, Victor Boniface, has caught the eye in no time since his arrival from Belgian side Union SG. Racking up 7 goals and 5 assists in his opening 11 matches the Naija boy seems to have found his groove already.
Possessing all the qualities that you would want from a top-class striker, pace, power and finishing. Boniface has the potential to the lead this Leverkusen team to big things.
Whilst Wirtz and Boniface may have grabbed the headlines for their performances, it has been Granit Xhaka who has been heartbeat of this Leverkusen side. He has been relishing his time back in the Bundesliga and the stats show it.
He has had the most progressive passes of any player in Europe this season with an astonishing 119. A true testament to the Swiss’ ability and he certainly seems to be the final piece to the intricate puzzle of Alonso’s side. If they are able to keep the midfield maestro fit, alongside the
other stars in this team, then they will certainly be in for a remarkable season.
So, the question is can Xabi Alonso lead this Leverkusen side to their first ever Bundesliga title?
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