By Rune Gjerulff@runegjerulff

Alonso and Hradecky rave about new Leverkusen signing

Xabi Alonso and Lukas Hradecky have both been impressed by Jeanuel Belocian, who joined Bayer Leverkusen from Stade Rennes in the summer.
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Photo: Bayer 04 Leverkusen

 

Jeanuel Belocian has hit the ground running following his move to Bayer Leverkusen from Stade Rennes, with German tabloid Bild naming him the "biggest winner" of the German champions' pre-season.

Speaking to Kicker, both coach Xabi Alonso and club captain Lukas Hradecky stress that the 19-year-old defender has made an excellent first impression.

"Jeanuël is very dynamic on the left and can play in several positions. He has that hunger, that willingness to take on the competition in order to play," Alonso told Kicker.

Belocian put in strong performances in Leverkusen's friendlies against Lens, Arsenal and Real Betis, as well as in the Supercup final win over Stuttgart, where he played 84 minutes.

"He plays like an adult. How young is he? 19? I would have said 25 - at least that's the way he plays," said captain Lukas Hradecky after the Supercup.

Belocian is capable of playing both as a centre-back and as a left-back.

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