Bayer Leverkusen boss praises Tella for performance in UEL victory at Molde

The Super Eagles-eligible star joined Die Werkself in the summer, and he has finally broken the duck

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has praised Nigerian forward Nathan Tella after he scored in their 2-1 victory over Molde, Soccernet reports.

Tella joined Bayer Leverkusen from Southampton in the summer in a deal worth €23.3million. Coach Xabi Alonso has used him sparingly since he arrived, making only three appearances before their game against Molde on Thursday.

Tella was on the starting eleven when Die Werkself travelled to the Aker stadium to play Norwegian giants Molde.

Die Werkself got into the lead in the 14th minute via a strike from Jeremie Frimpong. Then, four minutes later, Tella doubled their lead. The 24-year-old got played through on goal by Adam Hlozek and sent a strong shot into the net to make it 2-0. It eventually ended 2-1 at the Aker Stadium, and after the game, Alonso had good words for the English-born forward.

“The first half was good. Our three strikers did what I wanted,” Alonso said.

“The first goal for Nathan Tella, that was great. We prepared well. There was a moment when we played with the result, not with the game anymore. When you want to defend the result, it can happen like that.”

Following his goal and Alonso’s comments, Tella has a good chance of starting against on Cologne on Sunday.