Why Bayer Leverkusen can once again emerge as Bundesliga giants
Bayer Leverkusen have been one of the most underwhelming performers in the Bundesliga for the past 18 months or so. Following a horrendous 2016/17 season, where they finished in a disappointing 12th position in the league table, die werkself also suffered a mass exodus in the summer, where they lost several key players.
Key players such as Omer Toprak, Hakan Calhanoglu, Kevin Kampl and most notably, Javier Hernandez all left the Bay Arena for pastures new in the summer transfer window.
"It wasn't a difficult decision" - the Mexican superstar was quoted as saying, just after his move to West Ham this summer. Although he seemed to be referring mainly to his decision to move to West Ham rather than the one to leave the Bay Arena, it was a slap in the face for the Leverkusen faithful nonetheless.
However, that being said, Bayer Leverkusen have responded really well following their mass exodus in the summer, thanks to new coach Heiko Herrlich. Die werkself are currently fifth in the Bundesliga and have emerged a strong candidate for the Champions League places this season.
Their recent win against VfB Stuttgart, where they became the first team to beat the Swabians in their home turf this season, was enough to suggest the fact that Heiko Herrlich has successfully managed to build a cohesive unit at the Bay Arena this season.
Leverkusen's activity in the transfer market seemed rather dull this summer. However, the fact that almost all of their newer signings have performed has been one of the important reasons behind their success this season.
Out-of-sorts Borussia Dortmund defender has emerged as a defensive leader for Bayer Leverkusen. Following the departure of Omer Toprak, Sven Bender's ability to lead out from the back really helped Leverkusen, keep their defensive shape intact.
Furthermore, the addition of Panagiotis Retsos has also been a boon for the Rheinland giants. The highly talented Greek defender's excellent versatility coupled with his ability to help his team in the build-up phase massive boosted the overall dynamics in Leverkusen's defensive setup this season.
Lucas Alario has also proven to be an important part of Leverkusen's offensive line. Although the Argentinian hasn't scored many goals since coming to the Bundesliga, his tendency to always heed for a scoring opportunity has given Leverkusen an extra edge in the offensive department.
While the newcomers have excelled for Leverkusen this season, others have also stepped up to the plate this season.
Kevin Volland and Leon Bailey, in particular, have been the focal point of Leverkusen's offensive line.
The goal scoring department was left completely shallow following the departure of Javier Hernandez. However, the redemption of Kevin Volland has been a boon for the Leverkusen faithful as the former TSG attacker has scored an impressive nine goals in 15 matches, most by any player in the current B04 squad.
Leon Bailey, on the other hand, has been equally important for his team in the offensive department. After a rather tranquil start to his Bundesliga career, the talented Jamaican winger is finally starting to show his real talents in the German top flight this season.
The 20-year-old has been a vital figure in the defensive department, creating 24 chances in just 11 games, most by any Leverkusen player whilst scoring four goals already in the league.
Elsewhere, Lars Bender has also been a key part of their midfield setup this season. The famous twin brother of Sven, Lars Bender has led his side by example in the centre of the park for Leverkusen this term.
Lars Bender has the best duels won ratio than any other Leverkusen player this season, acquiring an impressive win ratio of 61%. Furthermore, the former 1860 midfielder averages almost 2 interceptions per game, which evidently shows as to how important he has been for Leverkusen this season. His solidity coupled with his fighting spirit has often been the glue which kept the Leverkusen midfield ticking.
Overall, the current Bayer Leverkusen side are showing a lot of promise under new head coach Heiko Herrlich this season. Thanks to their remarkable ability to stick together as a team, die werkself have managed to evolve into one of the most impressive teams in the Bundesliga this season.
Although there's still a chunk of the season left and considering how Borussia Dortmund's season descended into chaos after a wonderful start to the season, we can't be totally sure of Leverkusen's dominance for the entirety of the season. However, with the way Heiko Herrlich has managed to transform a highly baffled squadron into a cohesive force, Bayer Leverkusen may be a force to be reckoned with, in the nigh future.