Xabi Alonso Praises Hakan calhanoglu's Development: "As Important as Kimmich for Bayern
On Tuesday, Bayer 04 Leverkusen will face a tough challenge in the Champions League against Inter Milan. One key player for Inter Milan is Hakan Calhanoglu, who previously played for Bayer Leverkusen. Since leaving Germany, Calhanoglu has evolved into a vital figure for the Italian champions, and his transformation has earned praise from Bayer's coach, Xabi Alonso.
Hakan Calhanoglu's Return to Leverkusen
Calhanoglu's Past at Bayer Leverkusen:** The Turkish midfielder played for Leverkusen from 2014 to 2017. He is now 30 years old but in the top form of his career
New Role at Inter Milan:** After moving to Milan, Calhanoglu has taken on a more strategic role, often playing deeper in the midfield.
- **Strong Connection to the Bundesliga:** Inter Milan has several players with experience in Germany, including Calhanoglu, who is now considered one of the key players in their squad.
Xabi Alonso's Praise for Calhanoglu
Xabi Alonso, Bayer 04’s current coach and former world-class midfielder, has been impressed by calhanoglu's development:
Calhanoglu’s Transformation:** Alonso noted that while Calhanoglu was once known primarily for his shooting ability, he has evolved into a "strategist" on the field, now playing a more central role in midfield.
- **Key Attributes:** Alonso highlighted Calhanoglu's technique, his ability to execute precise passes, take free kicks, and shoot from distance. Most importantly, he emphasized Calhanoglu's deep understanding of the game and his leadership qualities on the field.
- **Comparison to Kimmich:** Alonso believes Calhanoglu’s influence on Inter Milan is as significant as Joshua Kimmich's influence at Bayern Munich. He pointed out that Calhanoglu’s current form at 30 years old is at the peak of his career.
Jonathan Tah Looks Forward to Seeing Calhanoglu Again
In a friendly rivalry, Bayer 04 Leverkusen’s defender Jonathan Tah expressed eagerness to reunite with his former teammate. Although Tah hasn’t been in touch with Calhanoglu recently, he plans to reconnect after the match, focusing first on the game at hand.
Inter Milan's Squad and Bundesliga Experience
Inter Milan’s roster boasts several players with Bundesliga experience, making the match even more intriguing for Bayer 04:
Players with Bundesliga Connections: Yann Sommer, Yann Aurel Bisseck, Benjamin Pavard, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Marko Arnautovic, Marcus Thuram, Josep Martinez, and Hakan Calhanoglu all have backgrounds in Germany’s top league.
Conclusion: A Key Battle for Bayer 04
Hakan Calhanoglu's impact on Inter Milan's game is undeniable. He has become a crucial player for the Italian side, and Bayer 04 Leverkusen will need to devise a plan to neutralize his influence if they hope to succeed in the upcoming Champions League match.
Leverkusen's coach, Xabi Alonso, is looking forward to facing the midfielder again, whom he respects greatly due to his career in Milan. "It's not just about individual players, but this particular player clearly has a significant impact on the game. It's not only his shooting power—his effectiveness results from many things he does well. He has developed brilliantly," said the Spaniard.

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