Leverkusen's not-so-secret weapon

On Matchday 13, the Spain international did not play a minute against Augsburg as he recovered from a knock. That was just the second time he has not featured in the Bundesliga this campaign, and on both occasions, Leverkusen were on the losing side.

This time, the Werkself were defeated 2-0 by the lowly Fuggerstädter, who had won just one of their previous six games before kick-off. The other Leverkusen league match that did not involve Grimaldo came against Bayern Munich, which the record champions won 3-0. 

Not only have Leverkusen been unable to pick up points in the 30-year-old’s absence, but they have failed to even find the back of the net, with those two games the only ones in which that has been the case in the 2025/26 Bundesliga.

Fast-forward four days, and Leverkusen were in UEFA Champions League action against Newcastle United, a crucial fixture in their quest for a play-off place. Fortunately for Hjulmand, Grimaldo was once again available and, while he could not quite inspire a victory, he popped up with an 88th-minute equaliser as his side battled to a 2-2 draw.

That was just the latest important intervention from a player who continues to provide goal contributions at a phenomenal rate, even as the players around him, and the system, change. He already has four goals and four assists in the Bundesliga, numbers that stand at nine and five, respectively, across all competitions.

For context, he leads the way in both charts for the club, despite Leverkusen being the joint-second-highest scorers in the German top flight this term. His offensive ability has led to him being occasionally deployed in attacking midfield by Hjulmand, a new development in his journey at Leverkusen. On top of that, he has worn the captain’s armband several times in Robert Andrich’s absence, further showing his leading role in a squad full of young talent.

It is not just from an attacking perspective that he has played a big role. He is one of the hardest-working players in the squad – only two Leverkusen players have covered more than his 123.1 kilometres this term in the Bundesliga, while no teammate can match his 119 duels won.

Following Leverkusen’s 2-0 Champions League victory over Manchester City in November, a game in which Grimaldo scored, Hjulmand was eager to discuss just how influential the left-footed maestro continues to be for Leverkusen. "He's very important for the team's flexibility," the Dane said.

Watch: Grimaldo: Leverkusen's beating heart

"We give him a lot of freedom, and he uses it to find the right spaces and give the team structure. Whether on the wing, in midfield, or as a ten, he is a top player and also has a very professional attitude, and he takes responsibility as a leader."

A couple of weeks earlier, Hjulmand went into even more detail as he explained Grimaldo’s evolving role in the team. “I saw his games on the left wing, where he and Florian Wirtz played together. They rotated positions constantly. I saw how comfortable Grimaldo felt in the center.

“Then we played a few games, and I realised how much he can contribute to our midfield play. It's so difficult to find players who can cut inside from the wing or move from defence into midfield instead of always playing in their natural position.”

Indeed, Wirtz’s departure to Liverpool has left Leverkusen with a No. 10 conundrum, especially with injuries to the likes of new boy Malik Tillman. Grimaldo has always been a player who likes to make an impact in the final third, and Hjulmand has given him an even greater platform from which to do so.

As the likes of Wirtz, Piero Hincapié, Granit Xhaka and Jonathan Tah, as well as head coach Xabi Alonso, moved on in the summer, it would have been easy for Grimaldo to join them in seeking pastures new. Earlier this season, he admitted the thought had crossed his mind, but he ultimately stayed at the BayArena.

"I also thought about a move [this summer], but in the end I told myself, I'll stay. And that's a good thing. In Leverkusen, I feel very loved by the fans, just as much as by the club. Here I feel valued,” he said.

Both Hjulmand and the Leverkusen supporters will be delighted by his decision as he continues to perform at the highest level. As Leverkusen compete on three fronts, Grimaldo’s form will no doubt be intrinsically linked to their fortunes this campaign.