Even Kimmich is taken aback: Three playmakers target Bayern’s perfect world | OneFootball

Who was that guy who dominated the midfield at Bayer Leverkusen until the summer? Oh yes, right – Granit Xhaka. A world-class player, no doubt, but somehow no one in Leverkusen really talks about the Swiss anymore. And that's a damn good sign.

Because: The factory club has found a new, true leader in its ranks within a few months, who currently even outshines Josuha Kimmich in the Bundesliga.

Allow us to introduce: Aleix García. The midfielder is the current main conductor of Bayer 04 and is significantly involved in the upswing of the Werkself. Conductor might be the wrong description here. Or Jonas Hofmann?

"He's a Spanish player, if you let him loose, he'll show you what he's got," his teammate raved to the 'SZ' about García. The player has already reached the highest game level, especially in terms of ball distribution.

With 744 passes – 93 per game – García currently has by far the most passes of all Bundesliga players. His rate is a staggering 93.26 percent. Even Josuha Kimmich has to take a moment to swallow. Bayern's pass monster has so far "only" reached 660 this season. Like Kimmich, García also steps up in important moments.

Thus, the clan chief decided the cup battle against Paderborn during the week. As if he had never done anything else after 124 minutes of play, García pushed the ball into the net from just under 50 meters with a confidence that should scare the Bundesliga competition. Even FC Bayern Munich?

At least the Munich team should take a close look at the past matchday. Against SC Freiburg, Bayer Leverkusen dominated at will and largely resembled the Alonso-Leverkusen. Also because the Werkself has another Spanish player in its ranks.

📸 KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV - AFP or licensors

Similar to García, Alejandro Grimaldo is currently flourishing again. The tireless full-back can be found practically everywhere on the field. He defends, drives forward, and creates the most big chances in the entire team (ranked tenth in the Bundesliga).

And when he's not swapping positions like skins, he's just waiting for the next somewhat promising free-kick position. What usually happens then, the Bayern team can ask Paderborn, Copenhagen, or Eintracht Frankfurt. Or new coach Kasper Hjulmand?

If you hate gaming, sorry for the following. But there's basically a third player at Bayer who likes to play. Because the Dane not only gives Grimaldo enormous freedom, but he also relies on players who feel discarded and gives them his trust.

For example, Jonas Hofmann. The 33-year-old, not even registered for the Champions League by ten Hag, suddenly gets playing time again. Against Mainz, he promptly thanked his coach with two assists. Impressive.

Impressive – but good enough to "destroy" Bayern's intact, unbeaten Bundesliga world? Despite all the Rhineland upswing, the recent CL match against PSG should not be overlooked. The Paris world-class team recognized all the wall hacks early enough and swept over B04 with a 7:2. Even Aleix García with his double couldn't do much against it.

Serving is exactly the right keyword here for once. Tonight from 6:30 PM, Bayern and Bayer can best answer the question themselves. Surely hardly anyone would object to a little more excitement in the title race.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

📸 FRANCK FIFE - AFP or licensors