Timothy Fosu-Mensah has lauded the tactical nous of ex-Liverpool star Xabi Alonso - who has Bayer Leverkusen pushing for Champions League qualification in the Bundesliga this season.
The former Anfield maestro has made huge waves in Germany's top-flight after less than a year in charge at the BayArena, having transformed the Black and Reds from a relegation-threatened side into genuine contenders for Champions League qualification.
After taking over from Gerardo Seoane in October, the Spaniard has since won 11 of his 18 games in the Bundesliga and implemented a successful high-pressing system. Leverkusen have won their last four league matches including last-month's dramatic comeback to beat Bayern Munich 2-1.
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Manchester United academy graduate and current Leverkusen defender Fosu-Mensah was recently asked about Alonso's credentials as a manager and delivered a glowing assessment of the Spaniard.
"Xabi is a good manager and I am enjoying working with him," said Fosu-Mensah in an interview with World Football Index. “He played at the highest level of football possible for many years for both club teams and for his country so he knows what it takes to succeed as a player.
“As such, he is very personable in his interactions with players. Tactically, he is also strong and you know what he wants from you as a player.
“He understands what is needed all over the pitch and he helps me in my role as a defender with the instructions and advice that he gives me.”
Not only has the two-time European Cup winner made an impression in Germany, but Alonso's results have also attracted attention across the mainland as Leverkusen find themselves in the quarter-finals of the Europa League and will go head-to-head with Belgium side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise for a place in the final four against either Feyenoord or Roma.
Rather prematurely, Alonso has been one name touted as a potential name to replace Jurgen Klopp at the end of his Liverpool contract in the summer of 2026.
Alonso's former Reds team-mate Steven Gerrard had been the favourite to do so. But after a record-breaking, title-winning season at Rangers was followed by a disappointing 11-month spell at Aston Villa, it remains to be seen what's next for the Liverpool legend, who recently made a return to punditry.
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