Victor Boniface faces tough competition for starting spot at Bayer Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso emphasized that Victor Boniface must prove himself again when he is fully ready to be able to take back the starting spot ahead of Patrik Schick. The Super Eagles striker has been in impressive form since joining Royale Union SG, scoring six goals in his first 10 games this season. However, Boniface’s latest injury sidelined him and Schick played in his absence and continued his fine form with goals.

Speaking about the rivalry between the two strikers, Alonso was asked about Boniface’s chances of returning to the starting eleven. The Spanish coach announced that player selection will depend on individual performances during both training and matches.

“I have a hard time choosing players for all positions,” Alonso said. “I love competing for places. What we want is for everyone to fight for their position, be better and help the team. “We will have many matches, so all the players will have their moments.”

He continued: “But the most important thing is that Patrik Schick is in good shape and we want Boniface to be in good shape too. We want him to be fully fit, forget his injuries, work hard on the field and score goals.”

Alonso made it clear that both Boniface and Schick will have the chance to prove their worth, saying, “Boniface and Schick decide who gets to play because the one who deserves it and proves himself usually gets the chance.”

The battle for a starting place at Leverkusen is heating up, with Schick in superb form and Boniface struggling to return from injury. It is not yet known who the first-choice striker will be once Boniface regains full fitness.