Bayer Leverkusen Boss Xabi Alonso Praises Boniface Ahead of Bundesliga Title Defence

Bayer Leverkusen Boss Xabi Alonso Praises Boniface Ahead of Bundesliga Title Defence

  • Bayer Leverkusen stunned the world and won the German Bundesliga title unbeaten last season
  • They have managed to keep a hold of the majority of their stars to begin their title defence
  • Head coach Xabi Alonso has singled out Nigerian forward Victor Boniface out for praise

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Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso has singled out Super Eagles forward Victor Boniface for praise ahead of their German Bundesliga title defence.

Leverkusen stunned the world when they pipped usual winners Bayern Munich to their first-ever title and did it remarkably without losing any match.

Victor Boniface pouring beer on Xabi Alonso inside Bayer Leverkusen's dressing room.
Victor Boniface pours beer on Xabi Alonso during Bayer Leverkusen's title celebrations last season. Photo by Jorg Schuler.
Source: Getty Images

As noted by Bundesliga.com, despite interest from multiple top European clubs, including Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Chelsea, Alonso stayed at the Bay Arena.

The club also kept a hold of their top stars, including the highly coveted Florian Wirtz, with only Jonathan Tah linked with a move to Bayern Munich.

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Alonso praises Victor Boniface

Nigerian forward Boniface was pivotal to the team's success last season, scoring 16 goals in 23 league games despite an injury-hampered second half of the season, which forced him to miss AFCON 2023.

He returned in time to help wrap up the title triumph but could not help Leverkusen avoid their only defeat of the season in the UEFA Europa League final against Atalanta.

In an interview quoted by LigaInsider, Alonso praised the Super Eagles striker for utilising his holiday to get in shape ahead of the new season.

“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,” he said.

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Aside from being an integral part of the team, Boniface is also a big personality in the dressing room with his comic acts.

Mbappe outlines ambitious plans for Real Madrid

In another story, YEN.com.gh reported that Kylian Mbappe stated ambitious plans as a Real Madrid player during his official presentation at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on July 16.

In his first speech, the former AS Monaco star shared aspirations and determination to achieve great things with the club, concluding with the spirited chant of 'Hala Madrid!'

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Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Richard Nutakor avatar

Richard Nutakor (Sports Editor) Richard Nutakor is a digital media enthusiast with over 8 years of working experience in media and digital. He's worked with notable media brands in Ghana like Media General, owners of TV3 Ghana, 3FM, Onua FM & Connect FM. He's also worked with Global Media Alliance as a Digital Account Manager. He obtained a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Ghana in 2016 and a Masters in Brands and Communication Management from the University of Professional Studies, Accra. Email: richard.kekeli@sportsbrief.com