'Very good players' – Nathan Tella earns mention from new Bayer Leverkusen coach

New Bayer Leverkusen manager Kasper Hjulmand has highlighted Nigerian forward Nathan Tella as one of the standout talents in the squad despite the mass exodus of players during the summer transfer window.

Hjulmand, who replaced former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag after a poor start to the campaign, praised the overall quality of the team during his unveiling.

The 53-year-old Dane noted that, despite the departures, Leverkusen still boast several top-class players, including Super Eagles star Nathan Tella, who he believes will play a key role moving forward.

"There have been some changes, but there are also some very, very good players who have been here for a while – Palacios, Tapsoba, Grimaldo, Nathan Tella, Schick, Robert Andrich," Hjulmand revealed as reported by Bild. 

"There are also some good young talents. And now it's up to us to come together and build a fantastic team on and off the pitch. I can't wait."

Bayer Leverkusen endured a difficult summer transfer window, losing several key players including Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Amine Adli, Granit Xhaka, Lukas Hradecky, Jonathan Tah, Piero Hincapié, Francis Onyeka, and Victor Boniface.

Amid uncertainty over his future, Nathan Tella, who is one of the club's standout performers since his arrival in 2023, opted to remain. 

The 26-year-old has contributed ten goals and twelve assists in 82 appearances across all competitions to contribute to the club's successes in recent years.

Linked with a return to the Premier League in the recently concluded transfer window, Tella now looks set to play a crucial role once again in the new campaign. 

With the return of club football, he will be eager to impress the new manager and build on his fine form for Die Werkself.

Adeyemi Adewale

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