The Leverkusen stars on brink of invincible season

Bayer Leverkusen have enjoyed unprecedented success this season, but how much do you know about the players behind their incredible campaign?

Under the leadership of Xabi Alonso, Leverkusen have raced to the Bundesliga title for the first time in their history and reached the finals of the German Cup and Europa League – all without losing a match.

What makes it all the more remarkable is that their 51-game unbeaten run has been achieved without a squad packed with world-famous stars.

On Wednesday evening, they face Atalanta in Dublin in the Europa League final, and on Saturday they tackle Kaiserslautern for domestic cup glory.

So who has been key to their success?

BBC Sport takes a look at six players who have been instrumental to their performance this season.

Florian Wirtz is the gem in this Leverkusen team.

The 21-year-old’s 18 goals and 19 assists in 47 games this season is even more impressive considering he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in March 2022.

Fast forward two years and the Germany international is one of the most sought-after youngsters in football, with Real Madrid reportedly keeping an eye on his progress.

Wirtz is often found operating behind the striker, where he is able to collect the ball on the turn and drive at the opposition defence.

He is a true talent and will surely only develop further into a possible future Ballon d’Or winner.

Alonso once compared the young German to perhaps the greatest to have ever played the game, Lionel Messi.

“Why is Messi so good? Because he knows how and when to play simple passes,” Alonso said.

“Messi says: ‘You’re in a better position? Here, there you have the ball.’

“It’s not always about making the most brilliant move, but the best and smartest. Florian can do that. That’s why he’s so good.”

Former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has emerged as the beating heart of Alonso’s team.

After once having angry interactions with Gunners fans while being substituted, he went on to become a cult hero before leaving the club in 2023.

Xhaka is now a leader in the Leverkusen set-up and keeps the ball ticking over in midfield.

The Switzerland captain may not be the flashiest of players but he is a key cog in Alonso’s machine and is the player on the pitch who is always available to receive a pass.

Alonso may see a lot of himself in Xhaka, with the Swiss dropping deep between the centre-halves and starting attacks.

Xhaka’s desire to leave the Gunners last summer has been well and truly justified.