Bayern Munich icon Lothar Matthäus is very impressed with Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen. The dominant Bundesliga leader even reminds the former World Cup champion with Germany of Barcelona's golden era with the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernández, and Andrés Iniesta.
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Lothar Matthäus, a figure synonymous with Bayern Munich's storied history, has openly expressed his admiration for Bayer Leverkusen's style of play under the guidance of coach Xabi Alonso.
Despite the rivalry and his deep-rooted connection to Bayern, which currently trails behind Leverkusen in the Bundesliga standings, Matthäus finds joy in Leverkusen's performance on the field. His praise for Leverkusen is not just a nod to their current form but a comparison to one of football's most celebrated teams, Barcelona, during its heyday with stars like Iniesta, Xavi, and Messi.
Matthäus highlights the team's dynamic play, their serene ball-handling, and the fluidity of their game, drawing parallels to the Catalan giants at their peak. His enthusiasm for discussing Leverkusen's approach to the game underscores the high regard in which he holds their current squad. According to Matthäus, Leverkusen epitomizes the pinnacle of footballing excellence this season, surpassing even the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool in terms of their on-pitch display.
Having witnessed Leverkusen's prowess firsthand at the BayArena, particularly in their matches against Mönchengladbach and Bayern, Matthäus is captivated by their potential and execution. He reminisces about Leverkusen's dominance in these games, suggesting that the scorelines could have been even more emphatic, notably against Gladbach where a 9-1 victory was within reach. This sentiment is extended to Bayern's supporters, whom Matthäus believes can appreciate the quality and attractiveness of Leverkusen's play despite the competitive rivalry.
Matthäus's comments shed light on the evolving landscape of German football, where traditional powerhouses like Bayern Munich find themselves admiring the rise of teams like Leverkusen. Under Alonso's tutelage, Leverkusen has transformed into a formidable force, reminiscent of the most celebrated teams in football history, and has captivated even the most loyal supporters of their rivals. Matthäus's testament to Leverkusen's brilliance is a reflection of the universal appeal of beautiful football, transcending rivalries and uniting fans and legends alike in their admiration for the game.
