Exequiel Palacios: Hard worker and gifted player

He is not a man of big words. Not someone who thrusts himself into the limelight off the pitch. And not one to let success go to his head. Exequiel Palacios is a grounded person. No amount of trophies will change that. And he has already celebrated some great triumphs. With Argentina as well as with Bayer 04. No, the professed Christian remains true to himself. Values such as humility and charity are important to him. That is why Palacios, who celebrates his 27th birthday this Sunday, is held in such high regard at Bayer 04, not only as an excellent player, but also as a person. The early extension of his contract to 30 June 2030 is also an expression of high mutual esteem, especially in the current situation. For the time being, the number 25 is sidelined due to injury. But there is absolutely no doubt that "Pala" will soon be making his contribution to a successful season again.

winner with strong mentality

He has worn the Werkself jersey for almost six years now. He has long been a top performer and leading player. Before Palacios moved from River Plate in Buenos Aires to Leverkusen in January 2020, he had already won the Copa Libertadores, the South American equivalent of the UEFA Champions League, with his hometown club. In the summer of 2019, just six months later, he went on to win the Recopa Sudamericana (comparable to the UEFA Europa League). Two major titles for the 20-year-old, who was already regarded as a winner with a strong mentality. He was also the perfect footballing fit for Bayer 04. Pala had it all: robust tackling, enormous speed, sharp passing and an excellent eye for space and team-mates. A man for the midfield. A strategist. The type of number six coaches want.

At the top with argentina

It was hardly surprising that the young Argentinian initially needed a certain amount of time to find his feet on the new continent. From his second full season with Bayer 04, however, Palacios was one of the regular starters. As a tireless fighter and outstanding technician, who could only be thwarted by injuries from time to time, it was impossible to imagine the team without him. And he quickly continued to collect trophies: Palacios won the Copa América with Argentina in 2021. He and the Albiceleste beat hosts Brazil in the final at the Maracanā. The greatest triumph followed a year and a half later: Palacios, Messi and Co. Won the World Cups in Qatar in December 2022. Pala was only the second player in the history of Bayer 04 history to win the biggest title of all as a Werkself player (the Brazilian Lucio had also achieved it in 2002). It speaks to the maturity of the then 24-year-old midfielder that he emphasised immediately after his return to Leverkusen: "Now the most difficult part begins, after you have achieved the greatest thing there is for a player to win."

provider and finisher

He had already scaled the highest peaks with Argentina. Now it was time to go on the trophy hunt with the Werkself. Palacios developed enormously under Xabi Alonso. The Argentinian was already one of the mainstays of the team in 2022/23. One season later, he was one of the key players for the double winners. On the way to the first Bundesliga title in the club's history and the second DFB Pokal win, Pala did an outstanding job in midfield. He scored a total of six goals in both competitions and set up four. In this magical season, he also reached the final of the UEFA Europa League with the Werkself. But even for him, the championship is above all else. "I'm incredibly happy to be part of this club's history," says Pala. "This title will stay with me for a lifetime."

"work hard, be humble"

Nevertheless, it hopefully won’t be his last with Bayer 04. Exequiel Palacios will continue to be a cornerstone of the new Werkself in the coming years. He is happy to take on responsibility, which is why he does not want to take on a "more vocal" role in the team. He is not a man of big words. And he doesn't have to be. A few months ago at the training camp in Brazil, Palacios summed up how he wants to contribute: "I will behave exactly as I have always behaved and approach things in the same way: work hard, be humble, listen and, above all, help the young players where necessary - on and off the pitch. I will pass on my experience, always be available for everyone and lead the way on the pitch, give my all and try to get the best out of it."

Sounds good to me. Here's to the next few years with Bayer 04, Pala!