Bundesliga 2013/14: Bayer 04 Leverkusen preview

Key Players:

Leverkusen’s striker Stefan Kiessling in action during the German first division Bundesliga match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and SC Freiburg in the stadium in Leverkusen, Germany, on August 10, 2013. (PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP/Getty Images)

Stefan Kiessling: It won’t be wrong to say that the fortunes of Bayer hinge on Kiessling’s form. Last season’s top marksman in the Bundesliga, he will have to at least equal his 25 goal haul to ensure Bayer comfortably secure another direct Champions League qualification.

Lars Bender: The lynch-pin of Bayer’s midfield. An immaculate tackler, his defensive leg-work shielding the back four will be critical for Bayer. Lars has added a lot to his game in the recent past, and his explosive runs and cutting passes will give an impetus to the Bayer counter-attacking game.

Gonzalo Castro: Bayer’s Mr. Versatile, like previous seasons will be used various roles as the situation demands. Right-back, left-back, holding midfielder, box-to-box midfielder, right forward – Castro has played almost everywhere on the pitch and his versatility will be very handy for Hyypiä when the games start coming thick and fast.

The Potential:

The squad this season is overall better in terms of depth. Hyypiä now has fringe/back-up players with enough quality to challenge the first team players for starting places. A perfect example is Andres Palop, who has just been brought in; and with loads of experience at his disposal, he will immediately challenge the young and improving keeper Bernd Leno. With a very good mix of youth and experience, the team is in a slightly better position than they were at the start of last season.

The Achilles ’ heel:

Any long term injury to Stefan Kiessling can seriously curtail Bayer’s chances. Although there is back-up in the form of Kruse and Arkadiusz Milik, Kießling is a level above them.

Prediction:

It would be very surprising, almost a shock if Bayer finish higher than third. Although strong and full of potential, Dortmund and Bayern are currently much better and it will take a couple of seasons for Hyypiä’s Bayer Leverkusen to collectively reach their prime.

If they don’t end up in a potential group of death, Bayer can safely reach the knock-out stages of the Champions League. The German Cup is certainly an achievable objective. As it has been 20 years since the club has won any silverware, the ‘Werkself’ faithful will hoping they can shed the ‘Neverkusen’ tag sooner than later.