As Bayer Leverkusen prepare to host Inter Milan in a crucial Champions League encounter, manager Xabi Alonso faces a significant tactical challenge. The German side’s striking options have been decimated by injuries, forcing the innovative Basque coach to rethink his attacking strategy.
Alonso’s solution has been to deploy the talented Florian Wirtz as a false nine, a move that could be repeated on Tuesday night. This tactical adjustment comes in the wake of injuries to key forwards Patrik Schick and Victor Boniface. Schick had been in scintillating form, netting six goals in four matches, including a hat-trick, before succumbing to a calf injury. Boniface, meanwhile, has been sidelined with a thigh problem since returning from international duty.
Despite these setbacks, Wirtz has risen to the occasion magnificently. The young German international has already scored the opening goal in three different Champions League matches this season, matching the record set by AC Milan’s Christian Pulisic. His ability to find space between the lines and link play makes him an ideal candidate for the false nine role.
Alonso’s tactical setup will likely see Wirtz supported by a strong midfield core, anchored by captain Granit Xhaka. On the flanks, Alex Grimaldo and Jeremie Frimpong are expected to provide width and attacking impetus, their marauding runs potentially causing problems for Inter’s defense.
Turning to the visitors, Inter Milan come into this match with their own injury concerns, albeit less severe than their hosts. Defensive stalwarts Benjamin Pavard and Francesco Acerbi are both doubtful, though Acerbi has resumed partial training and could make the bench. On a positive note for the Nerazzurri, Carlos Augusto and Davide Frattesi have returned to full fitness, providing manager Simone Inzaghi with more options and the potential for rotation.
At the heart of Inter’s midfield, Hakan Calhanoglu will be a player to watch. The Turkish international, who spent three successful years at Leverkusen between 2014 and 2017, returns to familiar territory. His set-piece prowess and ability to control the game’s rhythm will be vital for Inter’s chances.
In goal, Yann Sommer has been a revelation for Inter since his summer move from Borussia Mönchengladbach. The Swiss keeper boasts an impressive record of clean sheets in the Champions League, having kept the opposition at bay in 75% of his appearances for Inter in the competition.
Bayer Leverkusen (3-4-2-1): Kovar; Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapie; Frimpong, Xhaka, Andrich, Garcia, Grimaldo; Wirtz, Tella
Inter Milan (3-5-2): Sommer; Bisseck, De Vrij, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Zielinski, Dimarco; Thuram, Taremi
