Bayer Leverkusen are leading the Bundesliga despite their leading goal scorer having just 10 goals.
While Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane has scored 27 times in the Bundesliga, the Bavarian giants are only second in the standings and eight points back of Bayer before the weekend.
Xabi Alonso’s focus on possession, positioning, and playing from the back has allowed Bayer to share their 59 goals in the league. The figure has Bayer four goals off goal scoring leaders Bayern Munich.
Of course, Boniface could have far more than 10 goals for Bayer if it weren’t for injury. The striker has not played for Bayer since December 20 when he bagged a goal versus Bochum.
Prior to suffering a groin injury, Boniface had assisted or scored a goal in four straight games.
Bayer paid €20.5 million for Boniface ahead of the 2023-24 season. Signed from Belgium’s Union Saint-Gilloise, Boniface’s market value has sky-rocketed. He is now valued at more than €40m.
With Boniface on the sidelines until April, Bayer have found alternative goal scorers. Alex Grimaldo, a player Bayer had no right to sign in the offseason, has been incredible, scoring eight goals and assisting nine.
Fellow wing-back Jeremie Frimpong has added seven goals and six assists. While former German wunderkind Florian Wirtz has five goals and 15 assists.
The likelihood of this squad being together next season is slim. Yet, it can make history, leading Bayer to their first-ever Bundesliga title. For so long, the club was nicknamed as “Neverkusen” due to the near misses, five in total, Bayer had in the title race.
Alonso has changed the club on the pitch, however. The former Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern player is now the most in-demand coach ahead of the offseason.
Two of Alonso’s former clubs are vying for his services. While the other could come calling in just over a year’s time.
There are still 11 games left in the Bundesliga season. Although Bayer are eight points ahead of Bayern, the serial title winners made up ground on Borussia Dortmund last season, winning the title on the final day.
It wasn’t so much that Bayern deserved the title for being better than Dortmund. Rather it was Dortmund who managed to foul-up the title race.
Bayer Leverkusen have been fantastic to watch this season even without their top scorer. However, the pressure will increase on them with just 11 games to go.
In round No. 24, Bayer won’t play until Sunday, while Bayern can close the gap to five points with a Friday night win over Freiburg.
Bayer may have scored goals without Boniface, but his return in April should help in the title race down the home stretch.
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