Xabi Alonso Names One of His Biggest Challenges With Victor Boniface

Xabi Alonso Names One of His Biggest Challenges With Victor Boniface

  • Victor Boniface has been in stellar form since his transfer to German Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen
  • The marquee Nigerian forward has continued where he left off last season with a brace and an assist against Hoffenheim
  • Bayer Leverkusen coach, Xabi Alonso, has detailed what he considers to be his biggest challenge in managing the forward

Victor Boniface has taken to life in the German Bundesliga like a duck to water.

Despite suffering an injury in his first season with Bayer Leverkusen, the Nigerian forward recorded a staggering 30 goals involvements throughout his debut campaign.

The 23-year-old has continued with such impressive form, scoring a brilliant brace and providing an assist in the Bundesliga clash against TSG Hoffenheim.

Victor Boniface in action for Leverkusen
Victor Boniface during the DFL Supercup 2024 match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart at BayArena on August 17, 2024. Image: Rene Nijhuis.
Source: Getty Images

Boniface's brilliant display on the night, however, was largely overshadowed by his seemingly controversial celebrations during the match.

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The forward was seen adjusting his shorts as he gestured to the fans in celebration.

While Boniface has since explained that the celebration was not intended to provoke but was instead a bet with a friend, mixed reactions have continued to follow it.

Nonetheless, ahead of Leverkusen's UEFA Champions League match against Feyenoord, the coach of the side, Xabi Alonso, has hinted at what he considers his biggest challenge in managing the Nigerian forward.

Alonso names biggest problem with Boniface

The Spanish tactician praised Boniface's work ethic and personality, highlighting his positive influence in the locker room.

Alonso acknowledged Boniface's off-field activities but emphasised that part of his role is to ensure the forward remains focused on football.

"All the teammates really like him; he creates a fantastic atmosphere. Sometimes I have to remind him to focus solely on football, but that's my job—it's what I'm working to do," Coach Alonso said, as captured by efotbal.cz.

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Despite this, Alonso will be relying heavily on the star forward, who finished as the team's top scorer according to Fotmob, as they seek to defend their Bundesliga title and DFB Pokal trophy this season.

Leverkusen, currently in fifth place in the Bundesliga standings, will face a resilient Bayern Munich side, who appear rejuvenated under new manager, Vincent Kompany.

Boniface explains goal celebration

Briefly News reported that the striker spoke to the media after becoming the third player in Bundesliga as of the moment to contribute to three goals in three games or more after Harry Kane and Serhou Guirassy.

The former Royal Saint Gilloise forward had an underwhelming performance for Nigeria during the international break despite starting both games.

Source: Legit.ng

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Viginia Akinyi avatar

Viginia Akinyi (sports editor) Viginia Akinyi is the current import editor at Briefly News. She holds a B.Sc. in Communication and Public Relations from Moi University and has previously worked with Lolwe TV, Daily Nation Eldoret Bureau and SportsBrief.com. Email: viginia.akinyi@briefly.co.za