“He’s lighter, more athletic” – Victor Boniface’s fitness transformation delights Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso

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.

Imhons Erons

View Comments

Share
Published by
Imhons Erons

Recent Posts

“Everyone has to be serious now” – AFCON winner fancies new Super Eagles chance with Eric Chelle

Nigeria’s Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo has hailed the appointment of Eric Chelle as head… Read More

1 hour ago

Ebenezer Akinsanmiro: Juventus and Inter Milan back Sampdoria loanee after racist attack

Juventus and Inter Milan have shown their support for Ebenezer Akinsanmiro after the midfielder was… Read More

3 hours ago

“There is another question mark” – Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso on Boniface’s injury return date

Bayer Leverkusen manager, Xabi Alonso, has raised uncertainty over the return of Super Eagles forward,… Read More

3 hours ago

Nottingham Forest unwilling to sell Super Eagles star despite exit links

English Premier League high-flyers Nottingham Forest are unwilling to sell Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi… Read More

9 hours ago

Footballer turned Golfer: Odemwingie hungry to raise Olympic-level competitors in Nigeria

Former Super Eagles and LOSC Lille striker, Peter Osaze Odemwingie, is putting in the underground… Read More

14 hours ago

From John Finch to Éric Chelle: Who are the 37 coaches that have led the Super Eagles?

The appointment of Éric Sékou Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles… Read More

15 hours ago