'Special' - What it's like to work under coveted Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso as Liverpool & Bayern Munich chase his signature

Grimaldo opened up on how Alonso's coaching has enabled him to take his performance levels up a notch and continue to develop as a player. The defender has been integral to Leverkusen this season since joining on a free transfer from Benfica in the summer. However, the talented head coach has been attracting interest from two of his former clubs in Bayern Munich and Liverpool, with both set to be on the hunt for a new manager in the summer.

In an interview with The Athletic, Grimaldo said: “It was clear [I should join Leverkusen] once Alonso called me. Being coached by Xabi Alonso is something special and we have a very good project and a very strong team.

“I knew I was ready to take a step to any league. I’ve always had good numbers in my goals and assists. Making decisions in the final third of the pitch is one of my strengths. And this year, it’s true that everything is going very well, with the help of Xabi, his staff and my team-mates.”

Since joining Leverkusen, Grimaldo has scored eight goals and registered nine assists. Despite being considered a defender, the Spaniard is the club's second-highest scorer in the Bundesliga behind striker Victor Boniface.

Leverkusen can move ten points clear of second-placed Bayern with victory over Koln on Sunday as they hunt down their first-ever Bundesliga title. Beyond this season, it remains to be seen if Alonso will stay at the club and if Grimaldo might follow his 'special' manager.