Granit Xhaka, a midfielder for Bayer Leverkusen, claimed on Saturday that playing for Xabi Alonso is “a dream” after his team’s 3-0 victory over Werder Bremen catapulted them back to the top of the Bundesliga.
Leverkusen’s triumph, their 17th in 18 games this season, restored their two-point advantage over Bayern Munich, who are currently in second place.
Xhaka left Premier League team Arsenal in the off-season to play for Leverkusen, where he was coached by Alonso’s boyhood buddy Mikel Arteta.
“It’s a dream for me to play under Xabi Alonso, he was a world-class player in the same position as me — I played against him myself,” Xhaka stated to Sky Germany.
“He provides me things I can carry with me.
Our squad, coach, and mentality are all excellent.
“We work hard daily and you can see the results on the ground.”
Along with Victor Boniface, Jonas Hofmann, and Alex Grimaldo—who scored in the victory over Bremen—Xhaka is one of the summer additions who is making an impression this season.
Some have speculated that Leverkusen could win their first Bundesliga title as a result of their incredible start, but Xhaka was cautious not to project too far ahead.
Nothing is certain to happen. We must keep working and see where it leads,” he remarked.
“Anything is possible in football.
“We must continue to keep our feet on the ground and we will see what will happen.”