Bayer Leverkusen coach, Xabi Alonso has singled out two West Ham United players for praise after his side knocked the Premier League club out of the Europa League on Thursday.

Alonso’s side won the Europa League quarter-final first leg 2-0 and advanced to the last-four with a 3-1 aggregate victory after drawing 1-1 at the London Stadium.

Michail Antonio put the Hammers in front but a late goal from Jeremie Frimpong ensured the Bundesliga champions avoided defeat.

Speaking after the game, Alonso described West Ham duo, Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta as amazing players with physicality.

“West Ham have good players and energy. Credit to them, they played really hard, totally different to what they did in Leverkusen,” Alonso told TNT Sports.

“You need to deal with difficult moments, it’s not always possible to control the whole 90 minutes. It was key we didn’t concede that second or third goal.

“We know the physicality of West Ham. They also have amazing players like Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta.”

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