Nathan Tella is beginning to adapt to life under Bayer Leverkusen’s new head coach, Eric Ten Hag.
The Nigerian international was named in the starting lineup against VfL Bochum, playing 46 minutes and operating as an attacking midfielder. While is country man Victor Boniface was brought in as a second half substitute.
The arrival of Ten Hag serves as renewed hope for Tella, as the Dutch manager may provide him more chances to get into Leverkusen’s starting 11 this season.
Last season, Tella featured in 27 Bundesliga matches and seven UEFA Champions League games, but he started only 17 league fixtures and four in Europe.
His goal contributions under former coach Xabi Alonso were underwhelming , with four goals and five assists across all competitions.
Tella will need to improve those numbers this season to become a regular starter and boost his chances of earning a place in Nigeria’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations in December.
He was not included in Eric Chelle’s first two matches as Super Eagles head coach, but he received his first call-up from the Malian tactician in May for the Unity Cup friendlies against Ghana and Jamaica.
Tella played 65 minutes against Jamaica and registered an assist.
