Bayer Leverkusen will enter 2024 as Bundesliga leaders, while they remain unbeaten across all competitions under Xabi Alonso. Under the tutelage of the Spaniard, Leverkusen have been a breath of fresh air with a completely different footballing philosophy in comparison to what we’re accustomed to in Germany.
Die Werkself have scored 81 goals across three competitions and have picked up 22 wins and three draws in 25 games this season. Their 42 Bundesliga points from 16 games is also a club record.
And on Friday evening, Bild graded the Bayer Leverkusen players, which was topped by Florian Wirtz.
Florian Wirtz – Grade: 2.06
Bild use the German school grading system, which effectively means the lower the grade, the better the report. And top of the class is Florian Wirtz. The 20-year-old suffered a cruciate ligament tear in March 2022 and would miss the remainder the year. Wirtz only made his return in 2023 and after enjoying an excellent spell following his comeback, the German has continued to excel in the 2023/24 season.
With a market value of €100m, according to Transfermarkt, Wirtz has registered 12 assists and eight goals in 23 games across all competitions for Bayer Leverkusen this season.
Odilon Kossounou – Grade: 2.07
Closely following Florian Wirtz is Ivorian defender Odilon Kossounou. The 22-year-old has established himself as a key player in Leverkusen’s back three under Alonso, and his performances play a key role in Die Werkself’s excellent defence this season, which has conceded just 18 goals across all competitions.
Granit Xhaka – Grade: 2.15
Bayer Leverkusen’s recruitment in the summer was nothing short of remarkable. Granit Xhaka arrived from Arsenal and has added vital experience to a youthful Leverkusen squad. The Swiss’ performances has elevated Leverkusen and it’s no surprise to see Xhaka ranked as B04’s third best player this season.
GGFN | Daniel Pinder
