Emiliano Buendia says the opportunity to work with Xabi Alonso and Florian Wirtz was a major factor in his decision to leave Aston Villa for Bayer Leverkusen.

Buendia has joined the Bundesliga champions on loan until the end of the season. Though he recently put pen to paper on a new contract with Villa, to run until 2027, Leverkusen are believed to hold an option to buy him for around €20million (£17m) at the end of the season.

Speaking to the club's media channels ahead of his potential debut on Sunday, when Leverkusen host Hoffenheim, Buendia said he was excited to work with one of Europe's top coaches.

"My first impressions are very positive. The first training session was very good too," Buendia said.

"You can see the influence Xabi Alonso has on the team straight away. I'm really impressed with that. Now I'm looking forward to hard work.

"The Bundesliga is a very physical and competitive league with lots of quality. It's always interested me. Bayer as a club, too. 

"I think Leverkusen are a very strong team on the European stage. Last season obviously brought this club up to another level."

Much of Leverkusen's success in 2023-24 – when they won an unbeaten Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double but lost the Europa League final to Atalanta – was down to fellow playmaker Wirtz.

He won the Bundesliga's Player of the Season award, scoring 18 goals and providing 20 assists across all competitions, and Buendia cannot wait to play alongside him.

"Florian is a world-class player as he shows in every game. The chance of being on the pitch with him is fantastic. He has a style that I have too," the Argentine added.

"I'm an attacking midfielder who provides assists and can build a connection with my team-mates. I'm 100% ready and I want to help as soon as possible."

Leverkusen also bolstered their defence by signing Mario Hermoso on loan from Roma this week, and the Spain international is hoping to play a crucial role at the BayArena.

"I'd like to be an important player here and play an important role. I'm strong physically and mentally, a leader type and I'd like to help the club, who are already on the right track," he said. 

"I'm also looking forward to playing on the left side with [Alejandro] Grimaldo. The connection to the fans is also important to me. The BayArena is a great stadium and even better of course when it's full. 

"As a player, you can again and again feel the fans are there because they influence the players on the pitch and can really motivate the team."