Bayer Leverkusen went 36 games unbeaten after beating Wolfsburg 2-0 at the BayArena on Sunday evening. Xabi Alonso’s side remain 10 points clear of Bayern Munich at the top of the Bundesliga as they look to secure their first ever title. While Alex Grimaldo and Florian Wirtz have excelled, the performances of Granit Xhaka has elevated Bayer to new heights.
Against Wolfsburg, Xhaka completed 161 accurate passes, made 134 accurate passes in the opposition half and 87 accurate passes in the final third. And according to WhoScored, all three metrics are records in a Bundesliga match this season.
The 31-year-old has started all 25 Bundesliga games for Bayer Leverkusen this season and has been substituted just five times, but neither of which were before the 80th minute. Xhaka is a mainstay in this Leverkusen team and has created a formidable pivot alongside Exequiel Palacios, and Robert Andrich in the Argentine’s absence.
Granit Xhaka has been a linchpin for Bayer Leverkusen this season, bringing stability and experience to the midfield. Since his transfer from Arsenal, Xhaka has been a consistent presence in the starting lineup, featuring in all 23 games of the season thus far. His influence is not just limited to his defensive duties; he has also contributed offensively, scoring a goal that proved crucial in a tight match against Mainz.
With a remarkable pass success rate of 92.69%, he ranks third in the league, showcasing his precision and reliability in possession. His defensive prowess is equally impressive, with a tackle success rate of 56.21%, placing him second in the team’s internal statistics. Xhaka’s ability to cover ground is also noteworthy, having run 273 km over the course of the season, making him the second-best runner in the squad. His overall performance has elevated Leverkusen’s game, making him an invaluable asset in their quest for success this season.