Bayer Leverkusen: Top 10 Players Since the 21st Century | OneFootball

Bayer Leverkusen: Top 10 Players Since the 21st Century | OneFootball

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Hooligan Soccer

·24 December 2024

Bayer Leverkusen: Top 10 Players Since the 21st Century

Article image:Bayer Leverkusen: Top 10 Players Since the 21st Century

Bayer Leverkusen has been a hub for incredible talent, consistently competing at the top level of German football. Here are the top 10 players who shaped the club’s success in the 21st century.

Simon Rolfes

Article image:Bayer Leverkusen: Top 10 Players Since the 21st Century

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  1. Games Played: 369
  2. Goals + Assists: 56 goals + 35 assists = 91 G+A
  3. Overview: A reliable midfielder and captain, Rolfes was the heart of Leverkusen’s midfield for over a decade. His leadership helped stabilize the team during their consistent runs in domestic and European competitions.

Bernd Leno

Article image:Bayer Leverkusen: Top 10 Players Since the 21st Century
  • Games Played: 304
  • Clean Sheets: 100
  • Overview: Leno was a dependable goalkeeper for Leverkusen, earning a reputation as one of the Bundesliga’s best shot-stoppers during his time at the club.

Michael Ballack

Article image:Bayer Leverkusen: Top 10 Players Since the 21st Century
  1. Games Played: 108 (two spells)
  2. Goals + Assists: 27 goals + 22 assists = 49 G+A
  3. Overview: Ballack was instrumental in Leverkusen’s legendary 2001–02 season, where they finished second in three competitions. He returned later to lend his experience to the team.

Kai Havertz

Article image:Bayer Leverkusen: Top 10 Players Since the 21st Century
  1. Games Played: 150
  2. Goals + Assists: 46 goals + 31 assists = 77 G+A
  3. Overview: A homegrown star, Havertz emerged as one of Europe’s brightest young talents. His technical brilliance and versatility in attack were key to Leverkusen’s successes during his tenure.

Stefan Kießling

Article image:Bayer Leverkusen: Top 10 Players Since the 21st Century
  1. Games Played: 444
  2. Goals + Assists: 162 goals + 71 assists = 233 G+A
  3. Overview: Kießling was a prolific striker and the club’s all-time leading scorer in the Bundesliga. His Golden Boot-winning season in 2012–13 was a highlight of his career.

Dimitar Berbatov

Article image:Bayer Leverkusen: Top 10 Players Since the 21st Century
  1. Games Played: 202
  2. Goals + Assists: 91 goals + 32 assists = 123 G+A
  3. Overview: Berbatov’s elegance and clinical finishing made him one of Leverkusen’s key players, particularly during their run to the 2002 Champions League final.

Arturo Vidal

Article image:Bayer Leverkusen: Top 10 Players Since the 21st Century
  1. Games Played: 144
  2. Goals + Assists: 21 goals + 22 assists = 43 G+A
  3. Overview: Vidal’s tenacity and versatility in midfield were pivotal during his time at Leverkusen, helping the team maintain competitiveness in the Bundesliga.

Lars Bender

Article image:Bayer Leverkusen: Top 10 Players Since the 21st Century
  1. Games Played: 342
  2. Goals + Assists: 26 goals + 38 assists = 64 G+A
  3. Overview: Known for his work ethic and tactical intelligence, Bender was a dependable figure for Leverkusen and served as a long-time captain.

Emerson

Article image:Bayer Leverkusen: Top 10 Players Since the 21st Century
  1. Games Played: 156
  2. Goals + Assists: 27 goals + 15 assists = 42 G+A
  3. Overview: A dynamic midfielder, Emerson was a vital part of Leverkusen’s squad in the early 2000s, contributing to their competitive edge in both domestic and European tournaments.

Heung-Min Son

Article image:Bayer Leverkusen: Top 10 Players Since the 21st Century
  1. Games Played: 87
  2. Goals + Assists: 29 goals + 11 assists = 40 G+A
  3. Overview: Son’s pace and finishing ability made him a standout performer during his short stint at Leverkusen, paving the way for his move to Tottenham Hotspur.
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