With a highly anticipated transfer to Bayer Leverkusen this past window, Alejandro Grimaldo has thus far displayed key qualities that have led many to regard him as the bargain of the summer.
Having just won his fourth Portuguese league title with Benfica, Grimaldo has brought a wealth of experience to Xabi Alonsos side.
His world-class performances this season have earned him his maiden international cap with Spain.
This scout report and tactical analysis will analyse how Grimaldo has slotted into this new-look Leverkusen sides tactics.
His performances at both ends of the pitch have propelled the team to the top of the Bundesliga.
Alejandro Grimaldo Attacking phase
Since signing for the German outfit, it appears that Grimaldo has seamlessly integrated into Alonsos 3-4-3 system, operating as the left-sided wing-back.
This has complemented the elite wing-back play that right wing-back Jeremie Frimpong initially spearheaded in previous seasons.
The evolution of Leverkusens style and tactics in the second year of Alonsos project has played right into the hands of Grimaldo.
The team has established dominance of the ball for longer periods and is more progressive in attack, with creative metrics and the quality of chances made growing since the start of this season.
In the attacking phase of play, Grimaldo occupies areas high and wide on the left side of the pitch, sometimes resembling a winger.
His advanced positioning creates a dilemma for the opposition, with defenders unsure whether to follow him wider towards the touchline or leave him isolated and focus on the advanced central attacking players.
Alejandro Grimaldo Interchanging roles
When drawing defenders out wide, Grimaldo creates opportunities for Leverkusens number 8s, such as Granit Xhaka and Exequiel Palacios, to be more comfortable in the middle of the field, with more space to operate and dictate play while looking for a killer ball in behind.
In addition, should the opposition midfielders look to create a defensive overload by gravitating towards Grimaldo in an attempt to win possession, this would allow the attacking-minded Florian Wirtz to have an increased area to exploit and look to break the lines using his pace and technical capabilities.
While most of his play originates from the l
![Lazio Vs Napoli [0–2] – Serie A 2025/2026: Maurizio Sarri Zonal Marking Weaknesses And Unsuccessful Attacking Choices – Tactical Analysis](https://totalfootballanalysis.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Lazio-Vs-Napoli-tactical-analysis--350x250.png "Lazio Vs Napoli [0–2] – Serie A 2025/2026: How Antonio Conte Tactics Exploited Structural Flaws – Tactical Analysis 8")
