Xabi Alonso is fast becoming the most wanted manager in football. 

The Bayer Leverkusen coach graced some of the world's biggest clubs as a player and now they are lining up to make him their boss. 

With Die Schwarzroten currently top of the Bundesliga, the 41-year-old is having the sort of season that could make such a move a reality. 

Ahead of Leverkusen's Europa League visit to Qarabag, we take a look at the qualities which have made Alonso such a success. 

Leverkusen transformation

Alonso took over Leverkusen in October 2022 when they were second from bottom of the Bundesliga after eight games.

The Spanish tactician turned things around quickly, guiding them to a sixth-place finish and reaching the semi-finals of the Europa League. 

In his first few months in the job, Alonso prioritised defensive security and played with a counter-attacking style.

This season, Leverkusen are controlling games and playing some of the best football in the Bundesliga.

They are unbeaten after ten matches with 28 points from a possible 30 — a haul bettered by only Bayern Munich in 2015-16.

Leverkusen have also set a club record for goals scored at this stage with Alonso's 3-4-3 formation reaping 30 so far.

The sale of Moussa Diaby to Aston Villa allowed for new summer signing and Alex Grimaldo, Granit Xhaka, Jonas Hofmann and Victor Bonfiace have all made positive impressions.

Boniface has netted seven times and tallied five assists in the league, while Grimaldo has eight goal contributions from left wing-back.

Natural competitor

Leverkusen's sporting director Simon Rolfes has been full of praise for Alonso.

He said: "There's a seriousness and maturity in our football that reflects Xabi as a person. 

"He's a natural competitor and winner. He's instilled a battle-hardened attitude and a fighting spirit in the side. 

"Xabi is not a dogmatic manager. When necessary, the team know how to defend or be pragmatic in certain situations, it's not always the beautiful build-up from the back. 

"Finding a way to win is what matters to him, more than anything." 

It is no surprise that Alonso has a winning mentality as a manager after collecting so much silverware as a player. 

A member of the Spain side that won the 2010 World Cup and back-to-back European Championships, he also earned Champions League medals at Liverpool and Real Madrid before collecting three Bundesliga titles at Bayern.

What's next

With such a reputation as a player and now earning plaudits as a manager, Alonso has naturally been linked with a return to his former clubs. 

Touted as a possible successor to either Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool or Carlo Ancelotti at Real, he also has admirers at Bayern.

A vacancy at the Bernabeu might present itself first but Rolfe is relaxed about the prospect. 

He said: "I never mind rumours about our players or coaches. If they're good and successful, others will take note." 

Losing Alonso would be a blow but it would be softened if he could deliver a first ever Bundesliga title after five previous finishes as runners-up, which has earned them the nickname Neverkusen.

It takes a born winner to shake off such a reputation and in Alonso, Leverkusen may have found him.