“It’s Patrik’s turn”－ Bayer Leverkusen’s Hradecky delighted with Schick’s form in Boniface’s absence

Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky has expressed delight at Patrik Schick's improved form since Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface got injured, Soccernet.ng reports.

Since Boniface arrived at Bayer Leverkusen last year, he has seen more game time than Patrik Schick, who has been at the club since 2021.

Last season, Boniface was the first-choice striker for Bayer Leverkusen due to Schick's injury at the start of the season. When the Super Eagles striker got injured, Schick started getting more minutes.

This season, Boniface has been the main man for Die Werkself, and he has delivered regularly, with eight goals and one assist in 15 games. Unfortunately, he has been out of action for two weeks due to a hamstring injury.

His injury ensured he did not feature in the games against Heidenheim, Salzburg, and Union Berlin. But in his absence, Czech Republic star Patrik Schick has been delivering the goods steadily.

In their last three games, the 23-year-old striker has scored five goals, including a second-half matchwinner against Union Berlin.

Following Schick's scoring streak, Bayer Leverkusen captain Hradecky has expressed elation with the Czech star. But he admits that Boniface is also important to the team.

“Boniface and Schick are both important for the team, I'm happy for both of them when they score－and right now, it's Patrik's turn. He's doing a great job up front,” Hradecky said.

Boniface is expected to return to action by the start of 2025 and will be looking to wrestle his starting shirt from Schick.