'That's why' - Leverkusen forward reveals reason Tella got the nod over Boniface v Bayern Munich

Bayer Leverkusen forward Amine Adli has shed light on Xabi Alonso's decision to start Nathan Tella ahead of Victor Boniface and Patrick Schick in their crucial Bundesliga clash against Bayern Munich.  

 Tella was preferred in the starting lineup, playing 85 minutes before being replaced by Adli, who was making his return from a long-term injury.

Adli, the Moroccan striker, believes the manager's decision was influenced by Nathan's pressing ability and work rate, which gave him the edge over Boniface and Schick.

Speaking in an interview with Kicker.de, Adli revealed that the manager made the decision because the other two players lacked his pressing ability and work rate.

"When he relies on these qualities that others may not have, you can see in games like this that we press very high, that we run a lot. That's why the coach put Nathan in," Adli said.  

Asked about Alonso's tactical decisions, he added, "You have to ask the coach," he says, "he decides the tactics. Sometimes even we don't really understand them, but it always works. So we can't complain."  

Tella has been a key figure for Bayer Leverkusen this season, contributing three goals and three assists in 30 appearances across all competitions.

His recent form could boost his chances of earning a call-up for Nigeria's upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

Adeyemi Adewale

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