Emiliano Buendia says that the chance of working with Xabi Alonso and Florian Wirtz was an important factor in his decision to leave Aston Villa for Bayer Leverkusen.
Beendia joined the Bundesliga champions on loan until the end of the season. Although he recently put Pen on paper about a new contract with Villa, to walk until 2027, it is assumed that Leverkusen has an option to buy him at the end of the season for around € 20 million (£ 17 million).
Speaking against the media channels of the club prior to his potential debut on Sunday, when Leverkusen Hoffenheim host Hoffenheim, Buendia said he was enthusiastic about working with one of Europe's best coaches.
“My first impressions are very positive. The first training session was also very good,” said Buendia.
“You can see the influence that Xabi Alonso immediately has on the team. I am really impressed by that. Now I am looking forward to hard work.
“The Bundesliga is a very physical and competitive competition with a lot of quality. It is always interested to me. Bayer also as a club.
“I think Leverkusen is a very strong team in the European stage. Last season this club clearly brought to a different level.”
Here is EMI! pic.twitter.com/owzwuahzzb
– Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@Bayer04_en) February 1, 2025
Much of the success of Leverkusen in 2023-24 they won an unbeaten Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal Double, but the Europa League final lost to Atalanta-Was in due to fellow play maker Wirtz.
He won the Bundesliga player of the seasonal prize, scored 18 goals and gave 20 assists in all competitions, and Buendia can't wait to play next to him.
“Florian is a world -class player as he shows in every game. The chance to be on the field with him is fantastic. He has a style that I also have,” added the Argentinian.
“I am an attacking midfielder who offers assists and can build a connection with my teammates. I am 100% ready and I want to help as soon as possible.”
Leverkusen also strengthened their defense by signing Mario Hermoso on loan of Roma this week, and the Spain International hopes to play a crucial role in the Bayarena.
“I would like to be an important player here and play an important role. I am physically and mentally strong, a leader type and I want to help the club that are already on the right track,” he said.
'I'm also looking forward to playing on the left with [Alejandro] Grimaldo. The connection with the fans is also important to me. The Bayara is a great stadium and even better of course when it is full.
“As a player you can always feel that the fans are there because they influence the players on the field and really motivate the team.”
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