Bayer Leverkusen are on the brink of their maiden Bundesliga title, a triumph years in the making. After finishing as runners-up five times and falling short in crucial moments, the club is set to shed the \"Neverkusen\" tag once and for all.
A victory over Werder Bremen this Sunday will secure the league title for Leverkusen. The team remains unbeaten across all competitions this season and is also in contention for the German Cup and Europa League titles. They are set to face Kaiserslautern in the German Cup final next month and have already secured a 2-0 lead against West Ham in the Europa League quarterfinal first leg.
The turnaround began in early October 2022 when Xabi Alonso was appointed as the head coach. Faced with relegation fears, Alonso's leadership and tactical expertise have transformed the team. Despite having a smaller budget compared to Europe's traditional powerhouses, Leverkusen has thrived under his guidance.
Statistics highlight the team's impressive performance: seven players have achieved 14 or more goal contributions this season, and 11 players have scored at least five goals each. With an average possession of over 63 percent in their 28 Bundesliga games, Leverkusen's dominance on the field is undeniable.
A key element of Alonso's successful system is the dynamic wingback pairing of Alex Grimaldo and Jeremie Frimpong. Grimaldo, who joined from Benfica last summer, has been exceptional on the left flank, while the attack-minded Frimpong has been equally effective on the right. Their synergy and versatility have been instrumental in Leverkusen's attacking prowess.
As the season progresses, Bayer Leverkusen stands as a testament to strategic leadership and cohesive teamwork, promising a bright future for the club and its fans worldwide.
Reference(s):
Xabi Alonso's revolution at Leverkusen and the evolution of wingbacks
cgtn.com
