Xabi Alonso has made a positive impact on Bayer Leverkusen

With a convincing 5-1 victory over Darmstadt, Xabi Alonso and Bayer Leverkusen secured the top spot in the Bundesliga with a better goal difference than their competitors Bayern Munich, whom they will face in Munich in the next round of the Bundesliga. In October 2022, Xabi Alonso took over as the coach of Leverkusen after Gerardo Seoane was dismissed. Leverkusen was struggling near the bottom of the table, but after Xabi Alonso's arrival, the results and gameplay improved. They ended last season securing European football by finishing 6th in the Bundesliga and reaching the semi-finals of the Europa League, although they lost to Roma.

It's impressive how Xabi Alonso has made such a significant impact on Leverkusen in almost a year. The team has a clear playing style focused on possession and offense while maintaining a strong defensive structure. If you include the cup match at the start of the season, Leverkusen has scored 19 goals in 4 games. One of the standout performers is the new signing Victor Boniface, who has scored 4 goals and provided 2 assists in 3 Bundesliga matches. Leverkusen boasts a highly talented squad with many young prospects, which may be one of the reasons they brought in 30-year-old Granit Xhaka this summer. He made the move from Arsenal after a highly successful last season. Xhaka's leadership and experience are crucial for a team with many young players, and he provides balance in Leverkusen's midfield, allowing the attacking talents more freedom.

Leverkusen’s start to the Bundesliga 2023/24: 
Games: 3
Wins: 3
Goals scored: 11
Goals conceded: 3
Points: 9
Top scorer: Victor Boniface (4) 
Most assists: Jeremie Frimpong (3) 
Most chances created: Florian Wirtz (13) 

Alonso is not afraid to give young players opportunities, and right now, Leverkusen has two of the most exciting players in Europe. On the right-back position, there's 22-year-old Jeremie Frimpong, who has impressed with his offensive qualities. Last season, he was one of the full backs with the most assists and goals, and it seems like he's carried his form into this season with already 3 assists.

Then there's 20-year-old Florian Wirtz, who got his chance under Xabi Alonso and has seized it. He's a typical number 10 and has already made his debut for the German national team due to his performances in the second half of last season. He has scored 1 goal and provided 2 assists, and he's among the players in the league who have created the most chances so far.

Xabi Alonso’s record at Bayer Leverkusen (all competitions) 
Games: 41
Wins: 21
Draws: 10
Defeats: 10
Goals scored: 88
Goals conceded: 52
Points: 73
Points per match: 1.78

The next challenge is an away game against Bayern Munich, which will also be a litmus test to see if they can compete at the very top this season.