Alejandro Grimaldo's impact at Bayer Leverkusen ignites Bundesliga title race

The Spaniard's stellar contribution includes seven goals and six assists in the German championship, an extraordinary feat for a defender.

Grimaldo stands as the second-highest scorer for Bayer, making them the second-highest scoring team among the top five European leagues, trailing only behind Bayern Munich, who bolstered their offensive prowess this year with the addition of star striker Harry Kane.

Diving into the nature of his goals, Grimaldo, who had already showcased his striking abilities during his stint with Benfica from 2016 to 2023, has unleashed a goal-scoring spree this year, netting five goals from outside the box across all competitions. One of these memorable strikes came in a Bundesliga clash against Bayern, underscoring his ability to shine in crucial encounters.

Beyond his goal-scoring exploits, Grimaldo serves as a playmaker on the field. This is evident in his six assists this season, a tally only matched in the top five leagues by Newcastle defender Kieran Trippier. In his final season in Portugal, he even managed to deliver nine assists, the highest in the Portuguese league.

According to MARCA, Grimaldo has his sights set on the upcoming Euro 2024 in Germany. Eager to represent the Spanish national team, he aims to secure a starting role in a team grappling with the absence of Jordi Alba from elite football and the dip in form of Alejandro Balde on the left flank.

Under the guidance of coach Xabi at Bayer Leverkusen, Grimaldo has found an environment that enhances the performance of full-backs. Another beneficiary of this approach has been Jeremie Frimpong, showcasing the positive impact Alonso has had on the team's defensive flanks. 

As the Bundesliga season unfolds, Grimaldo's multifaceted contributions are becoming instrumental in Bayer Leverkusen's pursuit of the league title.

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