Bayer Leverkusen have won the Bundesliga for the very first time in their history under the guidance of Xabi Alonso, and the help of five great African stars!
The club was notoriously dubbed "Neverkusen" for not winning a league title since its current format was initially formed in 1962, but those associated with the team can now rest easy knowing they have finally broken their duck, which means that their unwanted nickname can now go away. This was made possible by Xabi Alonso and his technical staff, and his talented group of players that include some of Africa's finest.
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This talented group of stars from the continent comprise Moroccan Amine Adli, Edmond Tapsoba of Burkina Faso, 2023 Africa Cup of Nations winner Odilon Kossounou, and Nigerian duo Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella. These five players played pivotal roles in helping the side achieve something its faithful will never forget.
Amine Adli
The 23-year-old may not have been a regular starter throughout the season, having been named in the starting line-up for just six of the 20 Bundesliga games he appeared in, but has contributed with two goals and three assists, covering a total distance of 97.6km and recording a top speed of 34.5km/h.
He also took 19 shots and was denied by the bar on two occasions. The attacker can be regarded as a talent that could help the side reach even greater heights in the future.
Congratulations to Amine Adli for winning his first Bundesliga title ???? pic.twitter.com/3imT9EzmC9
— 532off (@532off) April 14, 2024
Edmond Tapsoba
The imposing centre-back has been a Leverkusen player since 2020, and has cemented himself as one of the team's most crucial players, appearing in 23 of Die Werkself's 29 league matches this season, and starting 18. He missed a few games because of AFCON 2023, where helped his national side reach the round of 16.
Tapsoba's club contributions are significant as he proved a defensive force over the course of the campaign by winning a remarkable 151 tackles, 43 aerial duels and even chipping in with an assist.
Odilon Kossounou
The 23-year-old is another defender who proved a crucial aspect of their defensive solidity that saw Alonso's side concede just 19 goals in 29 games. His contribution consists of 156 successful tackles and emerging victorious in 19 aerial duels. He also scored his first goal for the club this season, after joining them in 2021.
He will end this season with an AFCON trophy and a Bundesliga title, and still has the opportunity to win more silverware in the form of the UEFA Europa League with his team, as well as the domestic DFB-Pokal cup.
Odilon Kossounou vit une saison SENSATIONNELLE ??Il a remporté la CAN avec la Cote d'Ivoire ???? et la Bundesliga avec le Bayer Leverkusen ??Il peut encore remporter la Coupe d'Allemagne et l'Europa League ! DINGUE ! ?? pic.twitter.com/2GNaTsPJlN
— Footballogue (@Footballogue) April 16, 2024
Nathan Tella
The Nigerian could not have asked for a better first season at the club with seven direct goal involvements (five goals and two assists) in his first 20 league games for Leverkusen. He has also been responsible for 12 passes leading to a shot. It is especially impressive considering that he has started in just five of those 20 appearances.
Nathan Tella's journey from not being offered a professional contract at Arsenal to winning the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen has been hugely impressive. This should offer encouragement to some of the other youngsters that are let go. pic.twitter.com/iIr7TvQQdz
— Jeorge Bird (@jeorgebird) April 16, 2024
Victor Boniface
The Super Eagles attacker has made a noticeable impact with his contribution this campaign. He has been clinical in front of goal while also using his strength and ability on the ball to contribute to build-up play and bring his teammates into games. This has translated into Boniface amassing 11 goals and eight assists in just 18 matches for Bayer.
He would have perhaps made more appearances were it not for an injury setback that saw him miss 14 games for his club, as well as the 2023 Africa Cup of nations. Given that he is just 23 years of age, though, the continent will be hopeful he is able to build on this form to become one of its most decorated players ever.
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