History is in the making in the German Bundesliga. Bayer Leverkusen remains undefeated this season and is on the verge of the first league title in the club's history. A victory next Sunday against Werder Bremen would mathematically secure the championship. From a Swiss perspective, it is particularly gratifying that one of the most important players on this team is national team captain Granit Xhaka.
The end of a long streak?
Bayern Munich has won the last eleven consecutive championships. The fact that Leverkusen, of all teams, is ending this streak is a special story. For decades, the club was known for falling just short and finishing as runner-up multiple times. Under coach Xabi Alonso, that has fundamentally changed.
Xhaka as the playmaker
Granit Xhaka moved from Arsenal to Leverkusen in the summer of 2023. In midfield, he is the player who dictates the tempo. He distributes the ball, provides defensive cover, and takes responsibility when things get tight. His pass completion rate and number of touches are among the highest in the league.
What many underestimate: Xhaka also has a dangerous long-range shot. With his strong left foot, he often strikes the ball first time without controlling it. This is a skill that one does not learn in a game, but through countless repetitions in training.
What amateur players can learn from Xhaka
- Look before receiving the ball: Xhaka often knows where he wants to play before the ball even reaches him. That buys him time.
- Play the ball first time: One touch less means more speed in the game. This applies to passes just as much as to shots.
- Execute technique under pressure: What works in training also works in a game when an opponent is pressing.
Exercise: the playmaker drill
You can practise playing the ball first time with a simple exercise. You will need a partner and two cones:
- Your partner passes you the ball from about ten metres away.
- Just before the ball arrives, you look over your shoulder and decide which side to direct it to.
- You play the ball with a single touch through the left or right cone gate.
After a few minutes, switch roles. Later, your partner can call out a side shortly before the pass, which you then have to play to first time. This trains perception, decision-making speed, and technique simultaneously - the exact mix that distinguishes a player like Xhaka.
Good signs for the Euros
For the national team, Xhaka's form is good news. The European Championship begins in Germany in June, and Switzerland will face hosts Germany, among others, in Group A. A captain who plays a leading role in one of Europe's strongest leagues gives the whole team confidence.
Your long-range shot training
Striking the ball cleanly first time is not rocket science, even for amateur players. A clean point of contact is crucial. A tip: Start with balls that are lying stationary on the ground, then increase the height. With the VOLLEYCHAMP®, you can place the ball at 10, 20, or 30 cm and thus gradually work your way up to the volley.
In any case, we are keeping our fingers crossed that it works out on Sunday. A championship with Swiss involvement would be well-deserved for Leverkusen.
