Xabi Alonso on what Nathan Tella offers Super Eagles — Nigeria could use good wingers

Xavi Alonso says Nigeria lack good wingers and need Nathan Tella. (Photo Credit: Bayer/X)

Xabi Alonso on what Nathan Tella offers Super Eagles — Nigeria could use good wingers

Izuchukwu Akawor 14:03 - 13.11.2023

Bayer Leverkusen's manager Xavi Alonso believes Nathan Tella is a good winger with the right quality that Jose Peseiro's Nigeria Super Eagles could use.

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xavi Alonso has explained what Nigerians and Super Eagles manager Jose Peseiro can expect from newcomer Nathan Tella.

Alonso spoke on Tella’s ability after Leverkusen’s commanding 4-0 win against Union Berlin on Sunday evening.

Tella’s Leverkusen form

The 24-year-old became the latest Bayer star to earn an international call-up this season after Victor Boniface.

Ahead of the decisive FIFA WCQ between Lesotho and Zimbabwe, Tella was one of 23 players invited by manager Jose Peseiro.

Nathan Tella celebrates a memorable day at the BayArena. (Photo Credit: Bayer Leverkusen/X)

To celebrate his maiden invitation, the England-born star came off the bench to score the fourth goal as Bayer Leverkusen continued their impressive start to the season with a convincing defeat of Union Berlin at home.

Tella’s goal was his first for the Bundesliga leaders following his 20 million pound move from Southampton in the summer.

Xavi Alonso says nice guy Nathan Tella will add quality to the wings for Nigeria. (Photo Credit: Bayer/X)

Alonso on Tella’s skillset

After the game, an impressed Alonso spoke glowingly about the versatile forward.

According to the Leverkusen boss, Nigeria lacks good wingers and Tella has the quality to fill that gap.

Nathan Tella joined Bayer Leverkusen from Southampton. (Photo Credit: Bayer/X)

“Nathan is a player that has the ability to just do the right thing, be in the right place,” Alonso said in his post-match press conference per a post on Leverkusen's social media account.

“He has the quality to be in the box and makes the right runs. In Nigeria, they have great strikers and maybe they could use good wingers,” he added. “He’s a really nice guy with a strong mentality, he has a great attitude."

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Tella is expected to report to the Super Eagles camp in Uyo as Nigeria prepares to face a tricky Lesotho side in the FIFA WCQ.

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