Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso has expressed his excitement over Victor Boniface's improved fitness as the club wraps up its preseason training ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, Soccernet.ng reports.
Boniface, who joined Leverkusen last summer from Union Saint-Gilloise, was instrumental in the club’s historic Bundesliga title win, where they remained unbeaten throughout the season.
Despite his pivotal role, the Super Eagles striker's season was marred by an injury that sidelined him during Nigeria's Africa Cup of Nations campaign in January and February.
Although he returned before the season’s conclusion, Boniface struggled to recapture the electrifying form that made him one of the standout players in the Bundesliga.
However, this preseason has seen Boniface regain his sharpness. The 23-year-old forward, who was nearly unstoppable before his injury — with 16 goals and 10 assists in 23 matches — has worked diligently to return to his best.
In the final ten league games after his return in April, Boniface managed five goals and two assists, but his performances lacked the dynamism that had previously defined his play.
Now, following an intensive preseason, Boniface is showing signs of his former self. While he hasn’t scored in recent friendly matches, his performance in training has drawn praise from Alonso.
“I am pleased that he has used the time. After the injury, we did not have enough time for him to train. We needed him for the games. Now we see a Boni who is lighter and more athletic in the box,” Alonso said, as per Liga Insider.
Bayer Leverkusen will kick off their season with a Super Cup clash against Stuttgart on August 17, followed by the start of their title defence against Borussia Mönchengladbach on August 23.
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