Bayer Leverkusen predicted lineup for Europa League final against Atalanta

Published at :May 21, 2024 at 2:45 PM

Modified at :May 21, 2024 at 2:45 PM

(Courtesy : DFL/Bundesliga)

Die Werkself are looking to win the treble unbeaten across all competitions

Bayer Leverkusen have had a sensational unbeaten campaign so far and would look to cap off the stunning season as Invincibles and with a European trophy. The German side have played dominant attacking football this season, while also managing to maintain a strong defence, which helped them already seal the Bundesliga title.

With almost the whole squad available at head coach Xabi Alonso’s disposal, it would be interesting to see if the Spaniard makes any changes ahead of a crucial European final. Here is how Leverkusen could potentially line-up against Atalanta in the Europa League final on 23rd May:

Bayer Leverkusen predicted lineup (Formation 3-4-2-1)

GK: Matej Kovar

While Lukas Hradecky is Leverkusen’s No.1, Matej Kovar has been their undisputed cup goalkeeper this season.

The 23-year-old former Manchester United man, who has never played so many games at such a high level prior to this season, has performed admirably as they have reached the finals of both the cups this season. Thus, the Czech is also expected to start the Europa League final.

CB: Odilon Kossounou

Odilon Kossounou has been consistent and solid this season. The Ivorian has had a very successful season, winning the AFCON, Bundesliga and is in the final of the DFB Pokal and Europa League. Kossounou’s pace and physicality would be key to stopping the likes of Charles de Ketelaere and Ademola Lookman against Atalanta.

CB: Jonathan Tah

Jonathan Tah is the leader of the defence, having loads of experience in German football. The German is positionally strong and is aerially strong. Alongside his defensive duties, he has also chipped in with 6 goals and an assist so far this season, and his defensive solidity and ability to play out from the back would be crucial for Leverkusen.

CB: Edmond Tapsoba

Edmond Tapsoba is the last piece of Leverkusen’s strong defence, working in tandem with the other two to secure protection for the rest of the team while attacking. The Burkina Faso international is fast, technically adept and can pass out from the back, making him a good outlet for distribution.

RM: Jeremie Frimpong

Playing at right-wing back or right side of the midfield, Jeremie Frimpong has had a sensational season. The Dutchman is rapid, always making runs through the wing, looking to attack and create opportunities for the attack, while also having the pace to track back in time.

The 23-year-old has 12 goals and 9 assists from right midfield this season and would be looking to open up the Atalanta defence in order to create space at the centre of the pitch.

DM: Robert Andrich

Robert Andrich can sometimes be underrated by fans to Leverkusen’s functioning this season. The German is the midfield destroyer, sweeping up loose balls, making challenges, cutting through passing lanes and closing in the gaps for the opposition in the midfield.

Andrich is the man in midfield responsible to maintain a balance and provide defensive cover when Leverkusen look adventurous in attack. The 29-year-old would be crucial to stop the flow of playmakers like de Ketelaere and Koopmeiners against Atalanta.

DM: Granit Xhaka

Granit Xhaka is likely to start alongside Andrich in one of the most solid double-pivots in football currently. While Xhaka is not the fastest, he makes up for it with his exceptional defensive positioning and an ability to sense and snuff out danger. Since his move from Arsenal, the Swiss international has been indispensable for Leverkusen, and he would be key in stopping a dangerous Atalanta attack.

LM: Alejandro Grimaldo

Working in tandem with Frimpong, Alejandro Grimaldo has had the season of a lifetime, with an incredible 31 goal involvements as a Left midfielder/wingback in Xabi Alonso’s attacking system.

After being highly rated at Benfica for years, the Spaniard has settled in seamlessly at Leverkusen after his summer move, becoming indispensable to the team. Both he and Frimpong would look to tear apart and exploit spaces at either wings against Atalanta.

Also Read: Atalanta vs Bayer Leverkusen Betting tips, odds, injury news, H2H, telecast

AM: Florian Wirtz

Arguably the most important player in this team, Florian Wirtz has been Leverkusen’s talisman this season. The German starlet has 38 goal involvements in all competitions this season, creating and finishing chances in abundance this season. The 21-year-old is pacy, skilful and has exceptional vision, while also being clinical with his chances this season. Wirtz would be key to opening up an impressive Atalanta defence in this match.

AM: Jonas Hoffmann

A winger by trait, Jonas Hofmann has impressed after being converted to an attacking midfielder by Xabi Alonso since his move from Monchengladbach this summer. The experienced German has formed a good partnership with Wirtz, and is crucial for linking up play for the Germans. The 31-year-old has also chipped in with 20 goal involvements this season.

ST: Patrick Schick

With both Patrick Schick and Victor Boniface fiercely competing for a starting place up top, Schick might be preferred against Atalanta due to his physicality and aerial ability, providing a different dimension to their attack. This has not been the Czech’s most productive season, with 13 goals this season, 5 of which were in the Europa League.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.