Form
Bayer Leverkusen’s 2018/19 campaign got off to the worst possible start with three successive defeats and although they have gradually found their rhythm since then, Heiko Herrlich's side have been anything but consistent. Injuries to key players in midfield have certainly played a part in that, so it is no coincidence that results have improved since the return of regular defensive midfield duo Charles Aranguiz and Julian Baumgartlinger. Bayer are unbeaten in their last three Bundesliga games and have also qualified for the last 32 of the UEFA Europa League as Group A winners. Moreover, striker Lucas Alario ended his drought last weekend with his first goal of the season in the win over FC Augsburg.
Tactics
Leverkusen tend to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, although they are not afraid to deviate from that. The versatility of their defensive players allows ‘die Werkself’ to easily switch between four and three at the back, with Tin Jedvaj moving from full-back into the centre of defence and Mitchell Weiser or Wendell occupying the wing-back slots. The Bender twins, Lars and Sven - to name just two examples - can also play in either defence or midfield without compromising quality. On top of that, the fast and technically gifted attacking department ensure direct transitional play, which poses a big threat regardless of the formation.
One to watch: Kai Havertz
Kai Havertz was still at school and needed his parents' permission to be excused from class when he made his Bundesliga debut in October 2016. At the age of 17 years and 126 days, the midfield all-rounder became the youngest Bundesliga player in the club’s history. He then went from an Under-17 champion to a key first-team player and a full Germany international in the space of two years. He is the only member of the Leverkusen squad to have started every Bundesliga game this season, scoring four goals and achieving a top speed of 35 km/h despite standing at 6'2". Indeed, the only thing that’s been quicker is his progress on the pitch. As his coach Herrlich put it, “There’s no stopping Kai Havertz’s development.”
