Ten Hag’s Playing Style Excites Bayer Leverkusen’s Tapsoba

Erik ten Hag’s playing style continues to draw admiration, with Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba describing it as a “perfect” fit for his own approach to the game. As Leverkusen prepare for a new era following Jonathan Tah’s departure, Tapsoba’s insights highlight the similarities between Ten Hag and his former coach, Xabi Alonso.

Erik ten Hag’s Influence on Modern Defenders

Erik ten Hag’s playing style, known for its emphasis on ball possession and tactical awareness, has left a mark on defenders across Europe. Edmond Tapsoba, who excelled under Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen, believes that Ten Hag’s philosophy aligns closely with the methods that propelled Leverkusen to Bundesliga glory. According to Tapsoba, both managers encourage defenders to play out from the back, remain composed under pressure, and contribute to building attacks.

Comparisons Between Ten Hag and Xabi Alonso

In an exclusive interview, Tapsoba pointed out that the transition from Xabi Alonso to a new tactical setup at Leverkusen will be eased by the similarities he sees with Ten Hag’s preferred style. “Both coaches demand a lot from defenders, especially in terms of reading the game and distributing the ball,” Tapsoba said. He added that his experience adapting to Alonso’s system has given him the confidence to excel under managers who share similar footballing philosophies.

Tapsoba’s New Role After Tah’s Exit

With Jonathan Tah moving on, Tapsoba is expected to anchor Leverkusen’s defense in the upcoming season. The 26-year-old’s composure and technical proficiency make him a natural fit for a system inspired by Ten Hag’s principles. Tapsoba is set to lead a youthful backline, using his experience under both Alonso and the influence of Ten Hag’s style to guide the club through a period of transition.

What Makes Ten Hag’s Playing Style Stand Out?

Ten Hag’s approach is defined by proactive defending, positional flexibility, and intelligent ball movement. These elements are not only essential for modern defenders like Tapsoba but also central to teams aiming for consistent success in European football. Tapsoba emphasized, “It’s about courage on the ball and always looking for solutions, which are things I developed with Alonso and see clearly in Ten Hag’s teams.”

The Impact on Leverkusen’s Approach

Leverkusen’s tactical evolution this season will be underpinned by these shared philosophies. The club’s ability to maintain high possession numbers, initiate attacks from deep, and remain defensively solid owes much to the foundation laid by Alonso—a foundation that Tapsoba believes is perfectly complemented by the lessons drawn from Ten Hag’s methods.

Ten Hag’s Playing Style in the Bundesliga Context

Bundesliga teams are increasingly adopting progressive tactical setups, making Ten Hag’s playing principles even more relevant. Tapsoba’s recognition of this trend positions Leverkusen as a team ready to remain competitive, with a defensive structure capable of adapting to new challenges.

Opinion: Why Ten Hag’s Philosophy Suits Tapsoba and Leverkusen

In my view, Tapsoba’s praise of Erik ten Hag’s playing style is well-founded. As football continues to evolve, defenders who are comfortable on the ball and tactically astute are invaluable. Ten Hag’s approach not only benefits players like Tapsoba but also sets a standard for modern defensive play in top European leagues. This synergy between player and philosophy could be pivotal as Leverkusen look to build on last season’s success.

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