How to explain Xabi Alonso through Hofmann goal.

Bayer Leverkusen is sitting in front of the Bundesliga table before this international break, a result which is fully deserved for the team coached by Xabi Alonso.

Here is how Bayer scored the first goal of the match against Koln in the last weekend ending a possession started in the own half.

Here is the goal:

ANALYSIS OF THE STRUCTURE LEADING TO GOAL

BUILD UP

The possession starts with a build-up structure 3+2 composed by the three center-backs (Kossonou, Tah, Tapsoba) and the two holding midfielder Xhaka and Palacios. This structure creates solid connections between the players involved in the build-up phase and helps to move quickly the ball due to the proximity between the players and the creation of diagonal passing lanes. Lastly, you can also appreciate the position of Hofmann and Wirtz behind Koln midfield line ready to receive the ball and create a box to progress the ball further up on the pitch.

PROGRESSIONE THROUGH BOXES

An other instrument implemented by Xabi Alonso is the creation of boxes composed by four players which are connected in order to create passing routes to progress the zones of the pitch; this allows Leverkusen to quickly move the ball and finding the free man between the lines. In this example Palacios advanced after passing the ball: one of the request for the players is to move after passing the ball in order to give flow to the possession. This creates an open passing path from Xhaka to Wirtz who has space to run in the creation zone and reaching zone 14.

FINAL PLAY

The last detail is pertaining the ability to cover the space in the penalty area: after the ball is moved to Grimaldo externally, the low cross finds Wirtz who knows that Hofmann is behind him and releases him the ball using the sole. A fantastic play to finalize a fantastic action.