For months there has only been one direction for Bayer Leverkusen – upwards. Exequiel Palacios is an important pillar of success. The Argentine is developing more and more qualities – and they will also be in demand in the game at RB Leipzig on Saturday (from 6.30 p.m. in the radio report and in the live ticker at the Sportschau).
The undivided attention of the public rarely comes to this species of professional footballer. Players like Exequiel Palacios from Bayer 04 Leverkusen often fly under the radar of enthusiasm. After all, the position of the defensive midfielder is in most cases not very spectacular and hardly ever causes a real rush of adrenaline for the viewer.
For these players, hard work (running and fighting) is at the heart of their creativity. And who is interested in football – apart from the coaches – can really enjoy it?
But there are also these actions for so-called “sixes” in which they step out of their invisibility. Just like the strikers and attacking midfielders who regularly inspire the crowds with their footballing exploits in front of the opposing goal.
Palacios with decisive actions for Bayer
For the Argentine world champion Palacios, last weekend was once again one of those rare moments in which he was able to step into the bright spotlight. At FC Augsburg, the 25-year-old kept the Werkself’s championship dreams alive with his goal in the last second to secure a 1-0 win.
He has also shown several times “that he can have decisive actions in the end”said Bayer sports director Simon Rolfes. In fact, Palacios had a similarly important one this season, on the fourth matchday of the Bundesliga, in the 2-2 draw at FC Bayern Last minute-Scored a goal for his team. He coldly converted a penalty in stoppage time against the then FCB goalkeeper Sven Ulreich.
Rolfes: “Until the referee blows his whistle”
The fact that he manages to score these important goals is very closely linked to his style of play. Palacios is a technically gifted calf biter who would much rather be on his team than on the opposing team because of his persistence and passionate commitment.
“He’s definitely someone who will give it his all until the referee blows his whistle.”said Rolfes. The Argentinian is “incredibly important” for the Werkself game – also, but not only, because of his late goals.
Rather, he is one of the reasons for the current high of coach Xabi Alonso’s team. Together with Granit Xhaka, Palacios, who has gradually developed into a regular player in his almost four years in Leverkusen, is the center of the game at the highest level. There is hardly any way for the opponents to get through against this tactically skilful duo with a lot of overview.
In addition, the Werkself’s furious offensive game this season has its basis, its foundation, in the Leverkusen headquarters. Bayer 04 have been top of the table since matchday 6 and remain unbeaten in all competitions (Bundesliga, Europa League, DFB Cup). An almost scary result – especially for the almost traditionally fickle Leverkusen team.
Perfect interaction in Leverkusen
The secret: The interaction between coach Alonso and Palacios and his teammates is currently almost perfect. And the people of the Rhineland are far from making big noises about this great success. “Palacios’ goal was very nice, we cheered, celebrated a bit. But it’s just a win, we have to keep going. From Monday we’ll think about the next game”said Alonso after the Augsburg game.
Alonso and goalscorer Palacios after the victory in Augsburg
This next game takes place on Saturday evening in Leipzig. The Leverkusen team will be surprised again as to whether the next Werkself player will come into the public eye.