“Bayer 04 Leverkusen strengthens its squad with Spanish left-back Alejandro Grimaldo for the upcoming season. The 27-year-old has been playing for Portugal’s top club, Benfica Lisbon, since 2016. This summer he moved to Bayer-Kreuz on a free transfer, where he signed a contract that runs until 30 June 2027 ». This is what Bayer Leverkusen said on May 15. To everyone’s surprise and after eight very convincing seasons in the colors of Benfica, the 28-year-old Spanish left-back, at the end of his contract with the Eagles, opted for a new challenge across the Rhine. A very good deal carried out by the men of Xabi Alonso, orphans of the slightest competition on this file despite the undeniable qualities of the person concerned…
A golden deal!
Far from enjoying a popularity proportionally as great as his talent, the native of Valencia, trained at FC Barcelona, confirms the very nice move carried out by the Pillendrehers last summer. Aligned on the left side of the Bayer defense, Grimaldo strings together very high performances. After nine days of the championship and before hosting Fribourg, this Sunday at 5:30 p.m., the 1m71 left-hander has made 11 starts in 12 matches in all competitions. And what can we say about his performance… With 5 goals and 6 assists, the Spaniard is a hit and continues at his infernal pace. Breathtaking statistics, reminiscent of those of his alter-ego on the right, Jérémie Frimpong, who has so far accumulated 5 achievements and 5 offerings… Symbol of the current success of Xabi Alonso’s men, at the top of the Bundesliga and unstoppable since the restart, the left back – capable of playing a step higher – brings all his offensive know-how.
Skillful on free kicks, fast, precise in his crosses, interesting for his ability to constantly strike and very available for his partners, Grimaldo stands out above all for his consistency. Author of the winning goal at Wolfsburg (1-2) and a sumptuous free kick against Bayern Munich (2-2), the number 20 of Leverkusen wasted no time in seducing everyone within the club German. “If we continue to get free kicks near the box, Grimaldo will score at least 10 goals this season”, enthused his new partner, Jonas Hoffman, in this regard. Considering his new outing, Thursday evening, during his team’s big victory (5-1) against Qarabağ FK in the Europa League, it is indeed difficult to remain unmoved… With an assist on the opening score from Florian Wirtz and a new double – and very close to a hat-trick if his free kick had not smashed the opposing crossbar – Grimaldo also shines on the European scene. “A world-class performance. What a transfer this boy isthen launched Bild in today’s edition for the one who finally left to a standing ovation, giving way to Gustavo Puerta for the last ten minutes.
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A confusing offensive performance, the Euro in the sights?
Great architect of Bayer’s first place, placed in group H alongside the Azerbaijani team, Molde and BK Häcken, Xabi Alonso’s new protégé therefore continues to respond. An undeniable contribution but ultimately not surprising. As a reminder, during his time at Benfica, the kid from Valencia scored 27 goals and 66 goals in 303 matches. Enough to make him the most decisive full-back during this period in the world of football… On his momentum, Grimaldo is now aiming higher with Bayer, perfectly placed in the league and ideally positioned to qualify for the round of 16 of the Europa League . A positive momentum also justified by his very good understanding with his coach. “He was the main factor that tipped the scales. I wanted to be coached by him, I wanted to be an important part of this club and I have the feeling that this club was the one that had the most confidence in me (…) I made an important decision and I think that This was the right one”admitted the former Culers talent when he arrived.
On a small cloud, the one which is today valued at around 25 million euros according to the specialized site Transfermarkt can now hope to open the doors to the selection. An opportunity which has still not presented itself to him despite the numerous arguments raised so far. Snubbed by Luis Enrique, Julen Lopetegui, Robert Moreno and even Luis De la Fuente, currently in office, Grimado is still biding his time with La Roja. With this in mind, let us point out that his last match with his country dates back to 2016 and an appearance in the Espoirs jersey… An unexplained and inexplicable anomaly according to the recent comments of his coach, Xabi Alonso. “I have no explanation for the absence of a call-up with the selection. One thing is certain, he has my full support in this challenge. Alejandro totally deserves to get his chance. If he continues his momentum, he will quickly be in the national team, that’s a certainty. I sincerely hope he gets this chance.”assured, at the beginning of October, the former Real Madrid midfielder, once again questioned about this absence, Thursday evening.
“He saw him play and it was his decision (De la Fuente, editor’s note). We see every day and every match that he is a top left-back. His qualities are different from those of others in his position. He makes my job easier, because it’s much easier to play well when he’s on your team. I’m very happy he’s here.” If the speech of the eighth most capped player of the Spanish national team has still not resonated with the current coach of La Roja, Grimaldo can logically claim a place in the group summoned for the next Euro, organized in Germany from June 14 to July 14, 2024. I have been performing well for several years now. I have had a very high level in recent seasons in Portugal and this call, which I am waiting for, has still not arrived. This is why I also made the decision to make this change, to demonstrate that my level can be the same in another championship, why not finally be called up with Spain, confided, in this sense, the prolific full-back of the Pillendrehers. One thing is certain, by continuing at this frantic pace, Alejandro Grimaldo is putting all the chances on his side to offer himself a first international competition with La Roja, all in his new adopted country…
