By Oma Akatugba
Patrick Schick has been in outstanding form this season, stepping up in the absence of Bayer Leverkusen’s injured main striker, Victor Boniface. Schick has scored 11 goals in 13 games, including a remarkable four-goal performance against Freiburg and a brace against Borussia Dortmund. His contributions have not only kept Leverkusen competitive but have also sparked discussions about the team’s striking options once Boniface returns.
Head coach Xabi Alonso, however, views this potential selection dilemma as a positive challenge for the squad.
“I have difficulties in all the positions,” Alonso said when asked about deciding who will lead the attack. “That’s a great difficulty for me. Many times, I’m asked about the goalkeeper decision, now you ask me about the striker decision.”
Alonso emphasized that competition within the squad is essential for growth. “What we want is that everyone is fighting for a position, that they want to get better to help the team,” he explained.
With Boniface working on his recovery, Alonso stressed the importance of having both strikers performing at their peak. “The same way that Patrick is in a good moment, we want to have Boniface in a great moment as well – that he’s fully fit, that he forgets the injury, works hard on the pitch, scores goals, and works without the ball,” Alonso said.
Ultimately, Alonso believes the players themselves determine who earns a starting spot. “Like I said about Patrick, we need that – and not just in the striking position. The players decide who plays, and the ones who deserve it normally get the chance.”
With Schick’s stellar performances this season and Boniface expected to return soon, Alonso’s potential selection dilemma is a sign of Leverkusen’s depth. As the team competes on multiple fronts, Alonso welcomes this “good problem” as an opportunity to maintain high standards and achieve their goals.