Kane and Leverkusen riding the wave in Bundesliga_china.org.cn – China Internet Information Center
Having scored nearly half of Bayern Munich’s 49 goals in the Bundesliga makes Harry Kane one of the 2023/24 season’s attractions.
The Three Lions captain’s 21 goals in 15 games, along with five assists, secure the 30-year-old’s leading position in the scorer list and represent a remarkable chapter after the former Tottenham striker joined the Bavarians for 100 million euros last summer.
As much as Kane’s performance has delivered a surprise, statistics provide proof of the German national league’s powerhouse status at the 2023/24 season halftime.
Victor Boniface of Bayer 04 Leverkusen shoots to score during the first division of Bundesliga match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and VfL Bochum in Leverkusen, Germany, Dec. 20, 2023. (Photo by Ulrich Hufnagel/Xinhua)
The leading trio – Kane, Stuttgart’s Serhou Guirassy (17 goals/three assists), and Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface (10 goals, eight assists) – illustrates the league’s balance of power.
While Bayern’s presence was expected, accompanied by a perfect performance in the UEFA Champions League, Leverkusen, with Spanish star coach Xabi Alonso, and Stuttgart, with coach Sebastian Hoeness, are triggering amazement.
Alonso’s team remains the only unbeaten side and appears to be continuing its triumphant path almost somnambulistically. The club’s first national title is within reach as the Spaniard’s side is renowned for performing the best football.
While last season’s relegation candidate Stuttgart might be the biggest surprise, struggling Borussia Dortmund represents the biggest disappointment.
Despite a convincing performance in the Champions League, the Black and Yellows have suffered six draws and three defeats, ending up seven points behind third-placed Stuttgart.
The threat to the team’s next season’s Champions League participation comes amid turmoil around coach Edin Terzic and sporting director Sebastian Kehl. Both seem to be facing an uncertain future as crisis talks are scheduled over the upcoming days.
For different reasons, Dortmund and Bayern announced the signing of new arrivals over the winter break. Bayern is looking to fill gaps in their thin squad to prepare for crunch time in the Champions League, and BVB aims to gain ground in the national campaign.
Seven Leverkusen performers in the top 12 players at season halftime in the sports magazine kicker’s ranking attest to the side’s impressive form.
Next to midfielders Florian Wirtz and Exequiel Palacios, and striker Boniface, the valuable contribution of four defenders underscores the story of a well-balanced and efficiently operating team.
According to Kicker’s ranking, Bayern’s Leroy Sane (eight goals/nine assists) holds the title for the league’s best performer after 16 rounds of matches.
Kane and Sane, along with Guirassy and Deniz Undav (nine goals/three assists), as the top strikers in Europe’s top five leagues, highlight the German league’s attractiveness.
While Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel has praised Kane’s performance as exceptional and world-class, Leverkusen manager Alonso has declared his side’s intention to continue its successful path.
