The stars seem to continue to align with a prediction that has long been whispered in football circles – that Xabi Alonso will one day take the helm at Real Madrid, the world's most iconic football club.
Thanks to the remarkable exploits of Nigeria's emerging talent, Victor Boniface, under Alonso's guidance, this prophecy might materialise sooner than many had imagined.
At just 22 years old, Victor Boniface has set the football world ablaze with his breathtaking performances for Bayer Leverkusen, barely a couple of months into his debut season in Germany.
Alonso's unwavering faith in Boniface could be the final puzzle piece that propels the Spaniard to the top job at the grandest club in the world.
Boniface's rise began last season when he impressively netted nine league goals for Union SG in Belgium.
Notably, he also was the joint-top goalscorer in the Europa League last season – a fact that did not go unnoticed by several top European clubs, including Napoli.
However, it was Bayer Leverkusen who secured his services, investing 20 million euros in the young Nigerian, a decision that has proven to be a masterstroke.
The partnership between Boniface and Xabi Alonso seems almost predestined.
Boniface's dribbling prowess and close control in and around the box seamlessly complement Leverkusen's style of play, which revolves around short passes and possession football in the opponent's half.
The result? A torrent of goals for both Boniface and Leverkusen.
The team has already notched up 25 goals in just six games this season, with Boniface contributing to over a third of them – tallying an impressive six goals and three assists.
Boniface's stellar performance against Swedish champions BK Haecken in the Europa League on Thursday exemplified his impact, with Bayer Leverkusen triumphing 4-0. He bagged a goal and provided an assist in a display of sheer brilliance.
Within the Bundesliga, Boniface stands as Leverkusen's top scorer, excels in aerial duels, and boasts the highest player rating among Leverkusen's squad.
Only Jeremie Frimpong, with three assists, outshines Boniface in terms of setting up goals.
It was on the back of these excellent displays that he was named the Rookie of the Month and Bundesliga Player of the Month of August.
As Boniface and Bayer Leverkusen continue their impressive run in Germany, Xabi Alonso's coaching intelligence shines brightly.
At 41 years old, he has already achieved remarkable results since taking charge of Leverkusen in 2022.
With prior experience working with Real Madrid's youth teams and overseeing the development of Real Sociedad's second team, Alonso's managerial talent is indisputable.
Under Alonso's tutelage, Leverkusen have secured five wins and a draw in their first six matches this season, amassing an impressive tally of 25 goals while conceding just five.
It is increasingly probable that the former Real Madrid midfield maestro will return to the Bernabeu, this time as head coach.
Respected voices in the football world believe that Florentino Perez views him as the ideal successor to Carlo Ancelotti, who is poised to lead the Brazilian national team from 2024.
As Victor Boniface continues to dazzle on the pitch and Xabi Alonso orchestrates from the dugout, the pieces of this captivating puzzle are falling into place.
Should Alonso and Boniface lead Bayer Leverkusen to Bundesliga or Europa League triumph, there would be no better fit for Real Madrid than the Spaniard.
The prospect of Alonso taking the reins at Real Madrid becomes more irresistible with each passing game, making for a captivating story with Boniface perfectly themed as a major character.
