Bayer Leverkusen are on the brink of their maiden Bundesliga title. After finishing runners-up in the top flight of German football on five previous occasions and falling short at the final stretch on big occasions, the club is finally set to shed the unflattering \"Neverkusen\" tag. 😎
A win over Werder Bremen this Sunday will seal the league title for the club. Unbeaten across all competitions this season, Leverkusen are also in the hunt for the German Cup and Europa League titles. 🏆✨
The club will face Kaiserslautern in the German Cup final next month, and in the Europa League, they beat English side West Ham 2-0 in the first leg of their quarterfinal on Thursday night. This seems like a far cry from where the club found itself in early October of 2022, when a rough start to the season saw Leverkusen struggling in the relegation zone.
It was then that Xabi Alonso was appointed coach to steady the ship. One and a half years later, Alonso has managed to do much more than that. With a budget that pales in comparison to most of Europe's traditional heavyweights, Leverkusen have thrived under the Spaniard's enterprising tactics. 💪🇪🇸
The stats don't lie: there are already seven Leverkusen players with 14 or more goal contributions (goals plus assists) this season, and as many as 11 players have scored at least five goals each. In their 28 Bundesliga games, Leverkusen have managed an average possession of over 63 percent. 📊⚽
The Evolution of Wingbacks 🚀
One of the key elements to the effectiveness of Alonso's system at Leverkusen is the wingback pairing of Alex Grimaldo and Jeremie Frimpong.
Spaniard Grimaldo, who was recruited on a free transfer from Benfica last summer, has been a revelation on Leverkusen's left flank this season. Meanwhile, the more attack-minded Frimpong, a Dutch international, has been equally effective on the opposite flank. 🌟🌟
The duo has not only provided width and creativity but also contributed significantly to the team's goal tally. Their dynamic play has been instrumental in breaking down opposition defenses and setting up scoring opportunities. 🥅🎯
Alonso's tactical innovation has breathed new life into the traditional wingback role, making it a vital component of Leverkusen's success story. It’s a testament to how modern football is evolving, and it's exciting to see how these strategies unfold on the pitch. ⚽🔥
From battling relegation to challenging for multiple titles, Bayer Leverkusen's journey under Xabi Alonso is nothing short of inspirational. As they stand on the cusp of history, fans around the world are watching with bated breath. Will they finally lift the Bundesliga trophy and shed the \"Neverkusen\" label once and for all? Stay tuned! 🏆🙌
Reference(s):
Xabi Alonso's revolution at Leverkusen and the evolution of wingbacks
cgtn.com
