Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso ‘very satisfied’ with Victor Boniface

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has praised forward Victor Boniface, adding that the he’s very satisfied with the Nigeria international.

Boniface, who joined from Belgian side Union Saint-Gilliose in July, kept up his fine form with a goal as Leverkusen beat Koln 3-0 to move to the top of the Bundesliga standings.

He won the August Rookie of the Month and Player of the Month awards, becoming only the second player ever – and first since Erling Haaland in January 2020 – to do so, capping a stunning start to life in Leverkusen.

The 22-year-old has now scored 7 goals in as many league matches this season, making him the club’s highest goalscorer.

“We are very satisfied. He has adapted himself very well to the team’s plan and the tempo of the Bundesliga,” Alonso said in answer to a question on Boniface from Omasports.

Last night at the post-match press conference, the legendary Bayer Leverkusen coach, Xabi Alonso, remarked, ‘You gave me a good tip on Boniface.’ This came up as we discussed Victor Boniface after he scores his 7th goal for the table topping Bayer Leverkusen. To give context, I… pic.twitter.com/MiKyTIaim4

— Oma Akatugba (@omaakatugba) October 9, 2023

Boniface began from Bodo/Glimt before moving to Union Saint-Gillioise in August 2022 and reached the Europa League quarter-finals in his first campaign with the Belgian side. His performances, including scoring against Leverkusen in the quarterfinals, as well as a ‘good tip’ from Oma Akatugba attracted the attention of Leverkusen’s boss Alonso.

“I had this opinion when we played against Union Saint-Gilliose.” Alonso added. “He was a strong candidate for us. You gave me a good tip.

“It is not easy, there are a lot of strong contenders to come up against, but he has quality. He’s very strong. And today he scored a goal.”

Leverkusen are on a 13-match unbeaten run and will face Wolfsburg after the international break.