Not since the turn of the millennium have Bayer Leverkusen proved they're worthy to truly challenge Germany's elite. The 2002 Champions League runners-up have spent the majority of the previous decade struggling to find consistency in their challenge at the top.

Despite finishing second in 2011 and ousting Bayern Munich from the top two in the Bundesliga, Leverkusen failed to develop on their strong campaign. The sale of players, added to the short-term planning of the club, set the team up for failure.

Under head coach, Roger Schmidt, Leverkusen have excelled in building to compete for trophies once again. His significance in Germany cannot be understated as Leverkusen aim for victory in pursuit of their challenge.

With Carlo Ancelotti and Thomas Tuchel in charge at Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund respectively, the question remains as to who, if anyone, can topple the duo in the battle for Bundesliga supremacy.

Here are FOUR reasons why Bayer can finish in Germany's top two...

Key Signings

Football - Manchester United v Newcastle United - Barclays Premier League - Old Trafford - 22/8/15 Manchester United's Javier Hernandez looks dejected Action Images via Reuters / Jason Cairnduff Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representat

A number of Europe's top clubs were keen to secure the services of Kevin Volland - but it was Leverkusen that won the battle due to their ambitious manager.

Former Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez was signed for just £7.3m in 2015 and contributed to 21 goals in only 31 games. Hernandez hasn't been the club's only shrewd piece of business recently as Julian Baumgartlinger - a player likened to Gareth Barry - was signed during the summer just gone for just shy of £1m.

Schmidt's signings now leave Leverkusen in a position to compete once again, providing they can stay injury free.

Promising Youngsters

Football Soccer - Bayer Leverkusen v Bayern Munich - German Bundesliga - BayArena,  Leverkusen, 06/02/16  Bayer Leverkusen's Jonathan Tah and Bayern Munich's Kingsley Coman in action    REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay   DFL RULES TO LIMIT THE ONLINE USAGE DURING MATCH TIME TO 15 PICTURES PER GAME. IMAGE SEQUENCES TO SIMULATE VIDEO IS NOT ALLOWED AT ANY TIME. FOR FURTHER QUERIES PLEASE CONTACT DFL DIRECTLY AT + 49 69 650050

You would need to search far and wide to find a better set of young players in the game. With their transfer policy focused on signing emerging players who are set to blossom into greatness, the club have acquired some superb prospects.

Hakan Calhanoglu remains the standout, but players such as Jonathan Tah, Wendell, Julian Brandt and Kevin Volland have drawn plaudits on the continent for their superb ability on the ball. Tah has even been mentioned as Germany's 'new Jerome Boateng'.

Strong spine

Football - Bayer 04 Leverkusen v Manchester United - UEFA Champions League Group Stage Matchday Five Group A - BayArena, Leverkusen, Germany - 27/11/13 Bayer Leverkusen's Bernd Leno looks on after colliding with Manchester United's Shinji Kagawa (R) Mandatory Credit: Action Images / John Sibley Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.

The spine of a team has proven to be the nucleus to their success. Leverkusen, arguably, boast the best spine in the Bundesliga outside of Carlo Ancelotti's Bayern Munich.

With Bernd Leno as the main goalkeeper, they can stake a claim to having one of the best young goalies in the world. Jonathan Tah, Lars Bender and Javier Hernandez also make up the side's backbone, and have all been sensational since 2015.

They may be some distance off Munich, but Borussia Dortmund should be considered as a potential opponent they can chase down.

Style of football

Football - Southampton v Bayer Leverkusen - Pre Season Friendly - St Mary's Stadium - 14/15 - 9/8/14 Bayer Leverkusen coach Roger Schmidt (R) and his assistant Daniel Niedzkowski (C) Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Peter Cziborra EDITORIAL USE ONLY.

Under Roger Schmidt Bayer have moved onto the 'next level'. A formidable style of football has been crucial to the club's recent turn of fortune.

His high pressure, relentless, intense style has enabled Bayer to claim the scalps of some of the league's best teams. Similar to Mauricio Pochettino's Tottenham, Leverkusen's players look by and large the fittest team in the division.

Critics will state it can cause fatigue nearing the end of the season, but in Germany, Leverkusen have only benefited from the style Schmidt has implemented since his arrival in 2014.