Xabi Alonso’s unnoticed tactic has helped Bayer Leverkusen rival Harry Kane and Bayern Munich

Fans have noticed a tactic that has helped Bayer Leverkusen to fly high at the very top of the Bundesliga.

Xabi Alonso's side sit two points clear of second placed reigning German champions Bayern Munich and remain unbeaten in the league so far this season, with 11 wins and one draw under their belts.

Alonso arrived at the club in October last year, with the Leverkusen second from bottom in the German top flight.

He went on to guide the club to the Europa League semi-finals, as well as a sixth place finish in the Bundesliga.

This season, the ex-Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern star has got his side sitting top of the table — and fans have noticed a tactic he's been using that has helped them get there that had previously gone under the radar.

According to a TikTok posted on the Bundesliga's official account, at one of Leverkusen's recent games there were 29 balls around their pitch waiting for immediate throw-ins.

That would suggest Alonso is keen on his side keeping the ball in play for as long as possible during the match, and putting the opponent straight under pressure.

He's clearly not a fan of time-wasting and wants players to be able to restart the game when the ball goes out as quickly as they can.

Leverkusen also take their throw-ins at a rapid pace, rather than toiling on where to place the ball.

It may be a small detail, but it may well be helping Alonso's side thrive.

Leverkusen have scored 37 goals in the league so far this season. That's the highest number in the division bar Bayern's tally of 43.

They're only 20 goals off their total of 57 they secured over the whole of the last campaign.

The German outfit will be hoping to extend their lead at the top of the table when they face Borussia Dortmund this Sunday.

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