Are Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen Genuine Bundesliga Title Contenders?

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As domestic football returns after November’s international break, Bayer Leverkusen find themselves at the summit of the Bundesliga table following an outstanding start to the season.

Led by former Spain, Real Madrid, Liverpool and Bayern Munich midfielder Xabi Alonso, Bayer fremain unbeaten in 2023-24, having picked up 10 wins and one draw in the league.

When you look at the bigger picture, Die Werkself have avoided defeat in each of their 17 games across all competitions this term, with their only draw coming against the mighty Bayern Munich.

Thanks to Alonso’s forward-thinking approach – and a well-organised team of exciting young stars and experienced performers – Bayer Leverkusen could achieve something special this season.

Alonso arrived in Leverkusen back in October 2022, swiftly transforming the club’s fortunes. Having recorded 33 wins, 11 draws and 10 losses in all competitions, the 41-year-old possesses a win ratio of 61.11%.

After guiding Bayer to a sixth-place finish last term, Alonso has taken the team to new heights this season, thrusting Die Werkself into both the domestic and European spotlight.

Not only has he taken 31 points from a possible 33 in the league, but he has also overseen six victories in the Europa League and DFB-Pokal, with 25 goals and scored and just four conceded.

In the Bundesliga, Bayer are the second-highest scorers, while only Bayern Munich possess a better defensive record than Alonso’s side.

It is also worth noting that Bayer’s current top three scorers – Victor Boniface, Alejandro Grimaldo and Jonas Hofmann – all arrived at the club during the previous summer transfer window.

Boniface has racked up 11 goals and six assists in 16 appearances following his €20.5m move from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, while Grimaldo and Hofmann have each bagged 13+ attacking returns.

On top of that, 20-year-old prodigy Florian Wirtz has contributed six goals and 10 assists, while Granit Xhaka has completely transformed the midfield following his €15m move from Arsenal.

Bayer Leverkusen are currently enjoying their 45th consecutive season in the Bundesliga, having gained promotion to Germany’s top flight back in 1979-08. However, they are still waiting for their first title.

After registering four second-place finishes in six years between 1996-97 and 2001-02, Bayer have notched eight top-four finishes in the previous 14 season, including a third-place finish in 2021-22.

In Alonso, Die Werkself have a manager who won it all as a player. With a World Cup, two European Championships, two Champions Leagues and a host of domestic titles to his name, the Spaniard oozes success.

Given that Bayern Munich have won each of the previous 11 Bundesliga titles, bucking the trend won’t be easy. That said, it feels like Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen could break the mould this season.

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