News

“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

Osayi-Samuel makes quick return to halt Osimhen in explosive Istanbul derby

Super Eagles defender Bright Osayi-Samuel has made a swift return to training, just in time… Read More

2 hours ago

Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso admits keeping Victor Boniface focused amid football and fun is challenging

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has revealed the efforts he puts in to ensure Nigerian… Read More

2 hours ago

Why Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen will miss Galatasaray’s clash with Gaziantep

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen is set to miss Galatasaray’s upcoming clash against Gaziantep, scheduled… Read More

3 hours ago

“They missed out” – Ex-Liverpool man bashes Chelsea’s transfer strategy after Osimhen loan move to Galatasaray

Former Chelsea defender Glen Johnson has criticised the club’s failure to sign Victor Osimhen this… Read More

4 hours ago

Watch: Moses Simon gets player of the month award at Nantes

French Ligue 1 club Nantes have named Super Eagles forward Moses Simon as the Player… Read More

5 hours ago

“Tag Todd Boehly” – Super Eagles star aims jab at Chelsea owner after scoring against Nani’s Estrela in Portugal

Super Eagles defender Bruno Onyemaechi has directed a pointed remark at Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly… Read More

7 hours ago