“Very poor in the final third” – Former Manchester City goalkeeper questions Alonso’s use of Boniface in Leverkusen’s 0-4 to Liverpool

Former Manchester City and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper, Shay Given, has revealed he was left confused about how Xabi Alonso opted to use Victor Boniface in Leverkusen’s Champions League clash against Liverpool, Soccernet.ng reports.

Victor Boniface has been Die Werkself’s undoubted starter upfront amidst several tactical tweaks from the team’s coach, however, the entire Leverkusen team looked toothless in attack when they faced Liverpool yesterday.

The first half ended goalless, but Arne Slot’s side came with guns blazing in the second half. While Leverkusen enjoyed possession slightly more than the Merseysiders, a hat-trick from Luis Diaz and a Cody Gakpo strike meant it amounted to nothing.

Leverkusen mustered five shots on target during the game, but none came from Boniface. The Nigerian was withdrawn in the 81st minute, after completing just thirteen passes in that time, and this left Given stunned.

“I was at the Europa League final at the end of the season in Dublin, they were so disappointing, they got bullied against Atalanta in the final. I don’t know, just very poor in the final third. They did play out from the back and through the thirds but Boniface at times was playing on the left wing.

You want him to be more of a target man, you want to bring some sort of injection to the attack,” the Ex-Stoke City goalkeeper said on punditry duties with Premier League Sports Ireland.

Bayer 04 Leverkusen are 11th on the UEFA Champions League group phase table, with seven points from four games.