Leverkusen’s Rise to Glory: How Xabi Alonso Built a Champion Team

Fueled by a tactical masterclass from their manager, Xabi Alonso, Bayer Leverkusen have defied the odds to claim their first Bundesliga title. This blog post dives into the tactical genius of Alonso, exploring the key factors that fueled Leverkusen’s historic achievement.

Structured Foundations

Alonso’s philosophy centers around structure and clearly defined roles for each player. The team predominantly employed a 3-4-2-3 formation throughout the season, providing a solid framework for both offensive and defensive maneuvers. This system hinges on a five-man defensive unit, tasked with thwarting opposing attacks and initiating possession-based buildups. The remaining five players are entrusted with pressing the opposition and generating scoring opportunities.

Leaders Orchestrating the Play

Within this structured system, Alonso has cultivated influential leaders who serve as the engines of Leverkusen’s play. In defense, Granny Jacker marshals the back line, organizing his defensive colleagues and initiating attacks with his pinpoint passing. Florian VZ plays a similar role in midfield, dictating the tempo of the game and orchestrating attacks through the center of the pitch. These two leaders function as the creative hubs of the team, consistently finding each other with passes that pierce opposing defenses.

Dominating the Right Flank

Leverkusen’s right side has emerged as another critical facet of their success. Patrick Schick, the league’s undisputed speedster, utilizes his blistering pace to exploit weaknesses in opposing defenses. Jeremy Frimpong, another player stationed on the right, boasts an exceptional work rate. His overlapping runs and dangerous crosses create havoc in the opponent’s penalty area. It comes as no surprise that a staggering 56% of Leverkusen’s attacks originate from the right side of the pitch.

Adaptability and Flexibility

While Leverkusen possesses a preferred formation and style of play, Alonso demonstrates remarkable tactical adaptability. During the first half of the season, the attacking trio of Frimpong, Schick, and Grimaldo were a constant presence. The video underscores Alonso’s ability to adjust his tactics based on the opposition. Against Bayern Munich, a distinct set of players were deployed in the front three, yet they achieved similar results by employing analogous attacking patterns.

One of the most awe-inspiring statistics from Leverkusen’s championship season is their passing accuracy. The team boasts the highest passing success rate in the league by a significant margin. They control possession with dominance and patiently string together passes until they carve out an opening in the opponent’s defense. This relentless and precise passing attack stands as another pillar of their title triumph.

Defense Wins Championships

Despite his reputation as an offensive powerhouse during his playing career, Xabi Alonso has instilled a newfound defensive solidity in Leverkusen. The team transitions into a defensive posture after allowing only five attackers onto the pitch. This strategy has proven immensely successful. Leverkusen has conceded a mere one goal on the counter-attack throughout the entire season. The video credits their defensive midfielder, who acts as a defensive rock, swiftly snuffing out dangers and dismantling opposing attacks before they materialize.

Individual Brilliance Makes the Difference

While tactics and teamwork form the bedrock of success, moments of individual brilliance can also be game-changers. The video highlights a solo effort from Granny Jacker against Bremen as a prime example. Leverkusen’s championship run represents a confluence of Alonso’s tactical astuteness, a team that executes his vision flawlessly, and players with the talent to rise to the occasion and single-handedly win matches.

Conclusion: A New Era for Leverkusen

Xabi Alonso has instilled a winning mentality in Leverkusen. By meticulously crafting a structured system, emphasizing passing, and harnessing the individual quality of his players, Alonso has transformed Leverkusen into champions. Leverkusen’s rise to the Bundesliga throne marks the beginning of a new era for the club, and the future looks bright under Alonso’s astute leadership.