Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso says Nathan Tella possesses the qualities needed to thrive on the international scene.
Tellas scored his maiden goal for Die Werkself in Sunday’s 4-0 home win against Union Berlin.
The 24-year-old came from the bench to score Leverkusen’s fourth goal of the day.
The goal came as a perfect response to his maiden invitation to the Super Eagles for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.
Alonso, who has been impressed with the versatile winger’s performance since his summer arrival from Sky Bet Championship club believes Tella has what it takes to shine with the Super Eagles.
“Nathan is a player that has the ability to just do the right thing, be in the right place, he has the quality to be in the box and makes the right runs,” Alonso told the club’s official website.
“In Nigeria they have great strikers and maybe they could use good wingers. He’s a really nice guy with a strong mentality, he has a great attitude.”
Tella was born in England to Nigerian parents and was eligible to play for both countries.
He has however decided to represent the three-time African champions.
