>>> A tactical look at Alonso’s Leverkusen

All have slotted straight in and made immediate impacts in a team that has gelled together. Alonso fielded the same starting XI in 10 out of the first 16 Bundesliga games up to the winter break, utilising the depth of his squad in the European and cup games, which were also all won. It shows he has cover in every position if required.

Even with the Africa Cup of Nations denying him three players in Odilon Kossounou, Edmond Tapsoba - two of the three first-choice defenders - and Amine Adli, plus a lengthy injury to Boniface, Alonso still showed he had a plan B that would be the envy of many coach's plan As.

Patrik Schick, joint-top scorer at UEFA Euro 2020, gave a timely reminder of what he’s capable of with his hat-trick against Bochum, although the Czech striker is still yet to get back to his best after a long layoff.

The club then also reacted to Boniface's injury with the loan signing of Spain international striker Borja Iglesias as they prepare to continue their push for trophies on all three fronts.

“We’ve got a couple of really good new players, Granit, Jonas, Grimaldo, that bring a lot of professionalism and a lot of quality,” said captain and goalkeeper Lukáš Hrádecký after the draw in Munich.

3) The X(abi) Factor

Alonso’s impact upon taking charge in October 2022 appeared immediate, beating Schalke 4-0 for the biggest victory ever by a Leverkusen coach on debut, but Die Werkself then failed to win any of the next six. It took some time for the former Real Madrid and Real Sociedad youth coach to make his mark on a team low on confidence, culminating in a two-month unbeaten run across March and April to propel them into European contention.

And now over 18 months into his tenure and boasting a squad more in his image, someone who was so used to winning as a player has now instilled that in his squad as a coach.

Watch: Alonso talks Ancelotti, Leverkusen and his inspiring dad

Highlights

Will Alonso's Leverkusen win the title?

Leverkusen equal unbeaten record with Heidenheim win

How Alonso's Leverkusen neutralised Tuchel's Bayern