Amine Adli and Patrik Schick scored the goals that gave Leverkusen a 2-0 win in Kiel. Nevertheless, the two strikers had completely different views on their luck after their brief appearances in the 0-0 draw against Bayern Munich.
They had both only been allowed to play for a few minutes in the 0-0 draw against Bayern Munich at the weekend. And yet Amine Adli and Patrik Schick had a completely different perception of their brief appearances. While Adli, after more than three months out with a broken leg, was just happy to feel the coach’s trust again, Patrik Schick was annoyed to be allowed to play only in extra time for tactical reasons despite being in top form. Now, a week later in Kiel, both were in the starting lineup – and scored in the 2-0 win.
Schick’s luck was somewhat dampened by his review of the summit meeting. “I didn’t play for long, so that was a frustrating moment for me,” the center forward admitted after the Kiel game on the current sports show, “I’m happy that I was able to show the reaction today.” The Czech’s 15th goal of the season, scored in the 9th minute, put Bayer 04 on the road to victory early on. You can rely on Schicks’ nose.
And on the complete package that Adli brings to the table in every game, likewise. And that applies not only to his clever work for Schicks’s goal and his second, when he elegantly lobbed Kiel keeper Timon Weiner after a pass from Wirtz in the half-left position. No, the Moroccan international not only impresses with his skills but also with his passion and commitment.
Which is why Robert Andrich, himself known as a defensive midfielder for hard work and team spirit, is also pleased about Adli’s return. “I’ve always been a fan of his,” said the 30-year-old, directly referring to the left-footer’s importance in the upcoming English weeks. “It’s always good when players get back into the rhythm after injuries. We always benefit from rotation. To do that, we need everyone at a good level. And Amine has set another example today.“
The return of Adli (”I’ve been working for this moment every day. I couldn’t have dreamt of a better scenario”) also makes his coach smile, who highlights the 24-year-old’s class and character. ”We’re very happy with Amine, with his attitude every day, and his quality is also very important for the team. He had a big influence with and against the ball today,” said Xabi Alonso, ‘it’s great news for us to have Amine fit again.’
The attacker with French roots increases the Spaniard’s options for variation in attack. Xabi Alonso now has two different types of attackers available for the center: Victor Boniface and Schick. In addition to Nathan Tella, there is now Adli, who are both very willing runners and strong in pressing, and with their speed they also have the ability to threaten the depth.
With Tella and/or Adli, Xabi Alonso can now also ideally staff his often-chosen asymmetrical 4-2-2-2 system against top teams without a real nine. This means that Leverkusen’s coach currently has a free choice at the center forward position – and, unlike his Bayern colleague Vincent Kompany, does not have to worry as soon as Harry Kane is at risk of being unavailable.
