Bayer Leverkusen registered their name in the history books after winning the Bundesliga 2023-24. They became the first German club to end the season unbeaten in the league and domestic cup. Xabi Alonso and his team are a force to reckon with in Germany. A league win also means that Leverkusen are set to play in the UEFA Champions League. Last season, Xabi’s men could have completed a historic treble. However, they lost the UEFA Europa League final to Atalanta and faced defeat for the first time.
The German champions will be more pumped up and aim for back-to-back league titles. They are strengthening their team and signed an experienced French striker. Martin Terrier joined Bayer Leverkusen from Rennes. The former Lille and Lyon striker has played over 200 Ligue 1 matches. He brings plenty of experience to the table. Terrier has been a bit unlucky over the last two seasons. He suffered an ACL injury and made limited appearances. Last season, he returned from injury in the mid-season and made his mark. Here is a look at what this 27-year-old offers to the attack.
Massive return from injury
Following his long-injury layoff, the Frenchman returned to action in December. He took some time to settle in the squad. Martin Terrier’s heatmap shows that he used to play more towards the left side. This shows that the Frenchman will give options to Alonso in the attack. The pizza chart shows that Terrier is an all-rounder. He is a good ball passer and also tracks back the opposition. A champion team needs their players to perform in every department on the field.
Martin has shown strength as well as skills on the field. This allowed his team to win 27 fouls throughout the campaign. Terrier made 24 appearances, averaging around 65 minutes per match. He won more than a foul per game.
This plot correlates the striker’s involvement in the team’s passing game with their presence in the opponent’s box, highlighting their role in the attacking phase. Terrier managed to take around four touches inside the opposition box per 90 minutes.
Threat in the box
Martin Terrier returned to action and scored seven goals in the season. His personal best in Ligue 1 was scoring 21 goals in the 2021-22 campaign. Last season, the player averaged 0.16 xG per shot. He found space inside the opposition penalty box and scored goals from a close range.
This plot measures the striker’s shot-taking frequency and accuracy, key factors in a prolific goal scorer. Terrier had an average of around two shots per 90 minutes. He managed to hit 50% of his shots on target. The player was ranked among the best for hitting the target.
The above plot assesses the striker’s ability to challenge and win aerial duels, which is essential for hold-up play and scoring from headers. Terrier’s presence in the air makes him a great threat. He wins 50% of his duels per 90 minutes.
In addition to his goals, Martin can also create a few chances for his teammates. His ability to attempt short passes in and around the penalty box often leads to a shot assist.
Bayer Leverkusen will hope that their new signing settles in the team. They need some good performances from every player to defend their league title.
Visuals via TFA data viz engine