Can Alonso’s Frimpong-powered Leverkusen mount Bundesliga title challenge?

LEVERKUSEN, Germany (AP) — Bayer Leverkusen’s perfect start to the season has rivals taking notice.

Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel, whose team is the only other one to have started the Bundesliga with three wins, says Leverkusen could even challenge his Bavarian powerhouse for the title.

For that to happen, much depends on Jeremie Frimpong, a defender who has started every Leverkusen game this season and already set up three goals in the Bundesliga. He also scored in both the league and German Cup.

Speeding up and down the right flank in a wing-back role, Frimpong is a key part of the eye-catching style coach Xabi Alonso favors at Leverkusen. It took the team to the Europa League semifinals last season and has produced 11 goals in three Bundesliga games so far.

The aim is to “keep the fire burning” this season, Frimpong told The Associated Press in a recent interview. Leverkusen’s recent form has raised expectations about what the team can achieve this season. Next up is a clash

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