Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen were arguably the best team in Europe in the 2023-24 season. The German champions won two titles and lost only one match throughout the campaign. Leverkusen’s side was a mix of young and experienced players. Some of these players showed why they have a big future in the game.
There will be more expectations from this Bayer Leverkusen side. They will play in the UEFA Champions League and defend two other crowns. Alonso needs more depth in the team. Leverkusen have already entered the market and secured the signing of one of the best midfielders in LaLiga last season.
Girona’s Aleix Garcia is the new addition to Alonso Bayer Leverkusen. The midfielder was excellent for the Spanish team in their best-ever finish in the Spanish top division. The 26-year-old even earned a Spanish national team call-up after his heroic displays for Girona. Let’s look at what the former Manchester City man could add to the midfield of the German champions.
Commanding the midfield
Bayer Leverkusen plays with two midfielders. Granit Xhaka and Andrich were the two regular starters in the centre of the park for Alonso’s team. Aleix Garcia will challenge these two for a regular spot. His heat map shows that the player sits in front of the defence and also stays on the edge of the final third. The attacking involvements are fewer than his defensive work.
The pizza chart shows that Garcia is good with the ball at his feet. He is ranked among the best for receiving and distributing the ball. It can also be observed that Garcia is not involved in a lot of defensive activities but has a high winning rate when it comes to winning duels.
Aleix Garcia’s positioning is one to watch out for. He positions himself just outside the box while his teammates are attacking. This allows Garcia to recover the ball in attacking areas. His pressing on the ball has led to numerous recoveries and some have even resulted in dangerous ones.
Attacking prowess
Aleix Garcia is a player who connects the attack with the defence. He is known for carrying the ball from defensive areas to the attacking areas. Most of his progressive runs come down the middle of the park.
The 26-year-old ended the 2023-24 season with six assists. He was Girona’s set-piece taker but the assists came from passes delivered from outside the box. Garcia can deliver crosses into the box. He can find a runner inside the box.
This plot reflects the player’s skill in delivering progressive passes, a critical aspect of breaking down defences. Aleix Garcia was ranked among the best for delivering such passes.
The above plot reflects the player’s skill in delivering precise passes into the penalty area, a critical aspect of breaking down defences. Garcia has the skill to find a teammate inside the box. He was ranked alongside the likes of Toni Kroos for delivering passes to the penalty area.
Bayer Leverkusen fans will expect a goal or two in some matches from their new signing. He scored three in the LaLiga last season. Most shots were attempted from the edge of the penalty box.
Aleix Garcia will look to impress his new coach and secure a spot in the playing 11. He can create a bit of difference and will play a crucial role in Leverkusen’s title defence.
Visuals via TFA data viz engine