Granit Xhaka Scores Puskas Award Contender for Leverkusen With Long Range Drive

• The 2023/24 Bundesliga season kicked off on Friday night, with Leverkusen facing Borussia Monchengladbach
• German fans were treated to an incredible strike by former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka, who scored a belter for Leverkusen
• During his seven years at the Emirates Stadium, the Swiss midfielder scored numerous beautiful goals

Granit Xhaka netted a spectacular goal that could be a contender for goal of the season in Bayer Leverkusen's first Bundesliga match of the year.

The reigning champions faced Borussia Monchengladbach at the BayArena on Friday night.

And Xhaka, a crucial player in last season's unbeaten run, made his impact felt within just 12 minutes.

Following a half-clearance from a defender on Jeremie Frimpong's attempted cross, the ball bounced to Xhaka, who was positioned over 25 yards away.

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Per ESPN, the Swiss midfielder took a step forward and struck the ball on the half-volley, sending it straight into the top corner and leaving goalkeeper Jonas Omlin with no chance to save it.

Xhaka departed Arsenal last summer after spending seven years at the club and won the Bundesliga title in his inaugural season with Leverkusen.

He played a pivotal role in Xabi Alonso's team, helping them secure a treble by claiming the DFB-Pokal and the German Supercup.

However, Leverkusen's quest for a historic quadruple was thwarted by a 3-0 loss to Atalanta in the Europa League final.

There will be pressure on Leverkusen to defend their title. Challenger Bayern Munich appointed Vincent Kompany after parting ways with Thomas Tuchel, per Sky Sports.

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Alonso praises Victor Boniface

Briefly News reported that Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso praises Victor Boniface for how he managed his holiday to regain fitness and maintain shape ahead of the new season.

The Super Eagles striker turned down multiple offers, including those from the Premier League, as Die Werkself brace for the defence of their Bundesliga title this season.

Leverkusen boss praises Boniface

Earlier, Briefly News also reported that Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso singled out Victor Boniface for praise ahead of their German Bundesliga title defence.

Leverkusen stunned the world when they pipped usual winners Bayern Munich to their first-ever title and did it remarkably without losing any match.

Source: YEN.com.gh