What Xabi Alonso said about Victor Boniface and Patrik Schick’s partnership

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has admitted that he is open to using the strike partnership with Victor Boniface and Patrik Schick, Soccernet.ng reports.

In his usual manner, Alonso used one striker against Koln in the quarterfinal of the DFB Pokal, with Schick leading the line. However, he had to introduce Boniface into the game in the 76th minute, when Bayer Leverkusen were 2-1 down.

That proved to be the right decision, as both players eventually scored to spur Die Werkself to a 3-2 win. It was not the first time that the strike partnership between Boniface and Schick would rescue a result for Bayer Leverkusen.

Although both players have never started a game together at Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso often introduced one of them whenever he needed goals last season.

Still, Alonso's setup usually favours just one striker, and the Spanish tactician is very methodical, so there is a low chance that he will change. Nonetheless, he was asked whether he would consider a potential strike partnership between Boniface and Schick, and he admitted that he is open to it.

“Yes, that's an option. We decide what we need every game, and if we think that they can link up and understand what the team needs, it's an option,” Alonso said, per Die Werkself.

Imagine you had two strikers like this though. pic.twitter.com/jkIqLsqg4y

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) February 5, 2025

Victor Boniface could shine in a two-pronged attack

Boniface is one of the best ball-playing strikers in world football. The 23-year-old striker likes to drift across the forward line and dribble past defenders. He also has great vision, and these are some of the qualities that endear him to coach Alonso. He has a different profile to Schick, who prefers to lurk in the area and wait for opportunities he can pounce on.

If Boniface plays behind Schick, his creativity and play-making ability could be highlighted. He can also draw some defenders to himself, making space for Schick to exploit.

Nonetheless, Alonso would have to find a way to ensure that his role does not conflict with Florian Wirtz's.