The Backbone of Leverkusen's Invincibles: Analyzing Xhaka and Palacios' Influence in All Phases of Play

Bayer Leverkusen’s historic unbeaten 2023/24 Bundesliga season was celebrated for its attacking brilliance, with standout performances from Jeremie Frimpong, Alejandro Grimaldo, and Florian Wirtz often taking center stage. However, this analysis shifts focus to the two central pivots, Granit Xhaka and Exequiel Palacios, whose demanding roles formed the backbone of Xabi Alonso's system. Operating at the heart of the team, Xhaka and Palacios were instrumental in holding the structure together, balancing defensive solidity and offensive fluidity, and enabling the attacking stars to thrive.

This analysis focuses on the pivotal roles of Xhaka and Palacios, exploring how their contributions underpinned Leverkusen’s invincible season. Using StatsBomb’s free data, which includes all of Leverkusen’s matches, we’ll uncover how the midfield duo shaped the team's build-up, central progression, transitions, and defensive solidity. Their overlooked yet crucial influence becomes evident as we dive into the data and tactical patterns.

General Setup

Bayer Leverkusen predominantly deployed a 3-4-2-1 formation, featuring two dynamic pivots in Xhaka and Palacios. While the system leaned heavily on the attacking contributions from the wing-backs and advanced midfielders, it was the pivots who acted as the connective tissue of the team. From the passing network, we can see that the central players were the primary hubs, completing the highest number of passes and dictating the tempo of play.

Passing Network (Left Plot):
The passing network visualizes the connections between players based on completed passes. Each node represents a player, sized according to the total number of passes they were involved in. The thickness of the lines between players reflects the frequency of passes exchanged between them. The data used to create this was filtered to show the most common starting XI and focuses on in-possession actions.

Pass Flow Distribution (Right Plot):
The pass flow map shows the directional tendencies and density of passes across different areas of the pitch. The arrows represent the average direction of passes in each grid cell, while the red intensity highlights areas with a higher concentration of passing activity. This provides a detailed look at Leverkusen's buildup patterns and preferred zones of progression.

The passing flow diagram further emphasizes the team’s reliance on the central zones, highlighting how Xhaka and Palacios facilitated central progression and maintained the structural balance.

In possession

Bayer Leverkusen's in-possession strategy was characterized by a structured build-up phase, followed by more fluid and dynamic play in the middle and attacking thirds. While the build-up relied on clear positional structures, the middle and attacking phases allowed players greater freedom to roam, exploit spaces, and create overloads, adapting to the ball's location and the opposition's movements.

Build-Up (Lowest Third)

During the build-up phase, Leverkusen employed a 4-2-2-2 structure, a setup famously utilized with great success by De Zerbi’s Brighton and Unai Emery’s Aston Villa. Grimaldo (LWB) dropped into a traditional fullback role, while Frimpong (RWB) advanced high on the right wing. Central forward Boniface drifted into a high left position to pin the opposition backline. Meanwhile, the two attacking midfielders and the pivots formed a compact box midfield, forcing the opposition to make a difficult choice: commit players forward to match Leverkusen's numbers or sit back in a compact block.

When opponents opted to press, it often created a large gap between their midfield and defensive lines—a gap that Leverkusen skillfully targeted for progression. If the opposition chose to remain compact, Leverkusen's build-up was slow and deliberate, patiently baiting the press and creating openings.

The pivots played a crucial role in this phase, participating in various rotations to adapt to the situation:

• They frequently dropped between the center-backs, forming a back three.

• When this happened, their vacated role in midfield was filled by an attacking midfielder dropping deeper with the wingback pushing higher up the pitch.

Figures b and c illustrate these rotational movements, while Figure a shows the structured build-up from a goal kick. It’s important to note that these visualizations are limited by the visible area captured by the camera (indicated by the gray shaded regions). For instance, in Figure a, Frimpong should be positioned near the halfway line in the upper right corner but is not visible within the frame.

Note that all of the plots (except Figure a) visualize a successful pass between the two pivot players, indicated by the white arrow.

Middle Third

In the middle third, the pivots—Xhaka and Palacios—operate in close proximity to one another, focusing on short, precise passing. Their positioning and movement allow them to maintain control and provide constant passing options. Figure e demonstrates a typical attacking shape in this phase, with the pivots maintaining balance and supporting ball progression.

The pivots move horizontally in tandem, adjusting their positioning based on the ball’s location. This synchronization ensures that at least one of them is always available for a pass. Figure d shows a common short horizontal pass between the pivots, emphasizing their role in maintaining possession and recycling play.

When the ball shifts closer to the sideline, the pivots adapt with an interesting transformation (figure f). The pivot on the same side as the ball (e.g., the right pivot if the ball is on the right) moves higher up the field, while the other pivot drops back to provide support. This creates two critical advantages:

1. If an opponent follows the higher pivot, the supporting pivot is left free to receive the ball.

2. By joining the attacking group, the higher pivot creates an overload in that area, allowing them to either support an attacking move or quickly regain possession if the ball is lost.

As Leverkusen progresses further up the pitch, the positions of the pivots and attacking players become increasingly fluid. The team forms highly unusual shapes, often creating dense clusters of players in small areas. This clustering reflects the influence of relationism, with players relying on close proximity, technical ability, and quick decision-making to exploit numerical advantages.

Figures g, h, and i illustrate these overloads in different areas of the pitch—left, right, and central. The pivots’ technical quality and tactical awareness are critical in utilizing these clusters effectively, ensuring that the team maintains control and can either sustain attacks or counterpress immediately after losing possession.

Attacking Third

In the attacking third, Bayer Leverkusen's system thrives on fluidity and tactical precision. A dynamic front five drives the attack with intelligent positioning and rotations. While some players pin the opposition’s backline, others drop deeper to create overloads, ensuring numerical superiority in critical areas. The team’s chances primarily come from central progression, with minimal reliance on crosses. Instead, through balls and cutbacks dominate their approach, taking advantage of the technical ability and mobility of their attacking players.

A key weapon in Leverkusen’s attacking arsenal is the involvement of their fullbacks, particularly Frimpong. After baiting the opposition into a compact defensive block on one side, the team quickly switches play to the isolated wide players in one-on-one situations. Figures j, k, and l highlight such moments, showcasing the isolated wide players exploiting space on both the left and right flanks.

The pivots, Xhaka and Palacios, are instrumental in orchestrating Leverkusen’s attacks. Tasked with recycling possession and choosing the perfect moment to release the ball to the free player, their role demands exceptional intuition, patience, and composure. Rather than forcing passes out wide, they consistently look to play vertically through the lines, capitalizing on the numerical advantage created by the box midfield in central areas. Figure k highlights the attacking front five with an isolated wide player on the left, figure l showcases central progression when switching to the wide left player looks like the obvious choice, and figure j illustrates the isolated wide player on the right.

A key element of Leverkusen’s attacking structure is their aggressive rest defence, ensuring ensurring effective counter-pressing and protecting agains the opposition counter attacks. Unlike Guardiola’s 3-2 or Postecoglou’s 2-3 setups, Leverkusen often employs a 3-1 or bold 2-2 formation. In the 2-2 setup, one center-back steps forward alongside one defensive midfielder, while the other pivot pushes higher to support the attackers and prevent counter-attacks, balancing support for the attackers with defensive stability.

Detailed Insights: Comparing Xhaka and Palacios’ Contributions

Granit Xhaka and Exequiel Palacios were at the heart of Leverkusen’s historic season, anchoring the midfield with their complementary styles. While both excelled in their roles, subtle differences in positioning and play style offered Leverkusen tactical flexibility and balance.

Passing

The passing profiles of Xhaka and Palacios showcase their reliability and effectiveness in progressing play. Both players favored short, precise passes, with an overwhelming majority being ground passes—96% successful for Xhaka and 95.7% for Palacios. These high success rates underline their technical quality and decision-making under pressure.

Despite their shared traits, some key differences emerge. Xhaka tended to operate slightly higher up the pitch, often initiating progressive passes into the final third. His average pass distance (17.6 meters) was slightly longer than Palacios’ (15.5 meters), reflecting his role in breaking defensive lines. Palacios, in contrast, excelled in retaining possession and recycling play in deeper areas, providing stability during transitions.

From the visualization, we can observe:

• Pass Starting Locations and Flow: Xhaka’s passing flows are concentrated in advanced areas, particularly on the left, while Palacios is more evenly distributed across the pitch.

• Pass Direction: Both players exhibited balanced directional distributions, reflecting their versatility and adaptability in moving the ball across different areas.

• Pass Height Distribution: Ground passes dominated for both players, but Xhaka played slightly more high and low passes, indicating a willingness to attempt riskier options when needed.

Together, their passing contributions made Leverkusen’s midfield both progressive and stable, a crucial factor in maintaining control across all phases of play. Their ability to combine technical precision with tactical awareness highlights their indispensable roles in the team’s invincible season.

Shooting

While goalscoring isn’t their primary responsibility, Granit Xhaka and Exequiel Palacios contributed to Leverkusen’s attacking output with distinct shooting profiles, shaped by their roles and positioning within the team.

Key Insights:

• Shot Distance and xG:
  Xhaka favored long-distance shots, averaging 25.6 meters per attempt. These efforts, often taken first-time, carried low xG values (0.036 per shot) and resulted in a modest conversion rate of 6.8%. Palacios, on the other hand, shot from closer distances, averaging 20.7 meters, with higher xG per shot (0.128) and a conversion rate of 19.0%. Notably, Palacios took two penalties, which contributed to his higher expected goals. Both players overperformed their xG.

• Shooting Characteristics:

  • Xhaka: A majority of Xhaka’s shots were first-time efforts (50%), underlining his tendency to capitalize on quick opportunities from long range. He was heavily left-footed, with 86.4% of his shots taken with his stronger side

  • Palacios: Palacios exhibited a more measured approach, with 23.8% of his shots taken first-time and a focus on high-quality chances closer to goal. Palacios was predominantly right-footed, taking 81% of his shots with his right foot.

Visualization Highlights:

1. Shot Maps:
   Xhaka’s shot map reveals his preference for long-range attempts from outside the box, predominantly from central positions. Palacios’ shot locations are clustered closer to goal, reflecting his higher-quality opportunities.

2. Cumulative xG Progression:
   Palacios’ efficiency is evident in the xG progression chart, with his fewer shots contributing to a significantly higher cumulative xG (2.69) compared to Xhaka’s (1.57).

3. Shot Outcomes and Characteristics:
   The pie charts and bar graph illustrate their contrasting styles. Xhaka’s reliance on his left foot and preference for long-range attempts contrast with Palacios’ right-footed precision and closer shot locations.

Defending

Granit Xhaka and Exequiel Palacios both played important yet distinct roles in Leverkusen’s defensive setup, showcasing their ability to balance aggression and control—one of the hardest aspects for defensive midfielders to master. This skill is a primary reason why Manchester City has struggled in Rodri’s absence, as it requires excellent intuition to decide when to step up and press or when to hold position and cover space. It’s not easily coached, and Xabi Alonso’s system places immense trust in these two players’ ability to read the game and adapt in real-time.

Key Insights:

• Balancing Aggression and Space Coverage:

  • Xhaka played a more passive advanced role, focusing on closing space and forcing opponents into difficult decisions.

  • Palacios embraced an aggressive defensive style compared to Xhaka. He has more pressures (16.7 per 90), ball recoveries (6.7 per 90), and tackles (2.8 per 90). He often pounced on risky passes into midfield, capitalizing on opposition errors.

• Pressing and Covering Space:

  • One of their most challenging tasks was covering the large spaces behind the front three, who often engaged in man-to-man pressing. Their ability to complement each other’s defensive styles ensured that Leverkusen remained compact and difficult to break through.

• Counter-Pressing:

  • In counter-pressing situations, Palacios dominated the middle third, where 61.9% of his counter-pressing actions occurred. Xhaka, on the other hand, contributed significantly in the attacking third (37.3%), showcasing his ability to support high-pressure scenarios after possession loss.

Conclusion

Leverkusen’s unbeaten season stands as a shining example of a cohesive team effort, with individual brilliance and tactical mastery coming together to create history.

This analysis, centered around the roles of the defensive midfielders, showcased their importance in both offensive and defensive phases of play. Their ability to balance structure and intuition, execute rotations, and adapt to various in-game scenarios formed the backbone of Leverkusen's success. The understanding and synergy between Xhaka and Palacios provided stability and flexibility, enabling the team to thrive in all areas of the pitch.

Development

All the visualizations in this analysis were made using Python with the help of Matplotlib and mplsoccer libraries. While the report provides a detailed look at Xhaka and Palacios' roles, it would have been even better to compare them with midfielders from other teams. However, the free StatsBomb data only includes Leverkusen’s matches, making this impossible. I also wanted to explore pressing in more detail, but pressing and counterpressing events don’t have the corresponding 360 data needed to analyze positioning and movement during those moments.