Xabi Alonso Names One of His Biggest Challenges With Victor Boniface

Xabi Alonso Names One of His Biggest Challenges With Victor Boniface

  • Victor Boniface has been in stellar form since his transfer to German Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen
  • The marquee Nigerian forward has continued where he left off last season with a brace and an assist against Hoffenheim
  • Bayer Leverkusen coach, Xabi Alonso, has detailed what he considers to be his biggest challenge in managing the forward

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Victor Boniface has taken to life in the German Bundesliga like a duck to water.

Despite suffering an injury in his first season with Bayer Leverkusen, the Nigerian forward recorded a staggering 30 goals involvements throughout his debut campaign.

The 23-year-old has continued with such impressive form, scoring a brilliant brace and providing an assist in the Bundesliga clash against TSG Hoffenheim.

Victor Boniface in action for Leverkusen
Victor Boniface during the DFL Supercup 2024 match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart at BayArena on August 17, 2024. Image: Rene Nijhuis.
Source: Getty Images

Boniface's brilliant display on the night, however, was largely overshadowed by his seemingly controversial celebrations during the match.

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The forward was seen adjusting his shorts as he gestured to the fans in celebration.

While Boniface has since explained that the celebration was not intended to provoke but was instead a bet with a friend, mixed reactions have continued to follow it.

Nonetheless, ahead of Leverkusen's UEFA Champions League match against Feyenoord, the coach of the side, Xabi Alonso, has hinted at what he considers his biggest challenge in managing the Nigerian forward.

Alonso names biggest problem with Boniface

The Spanish tactician praised Boniface's work ethic and personality, highlighting his positive influence in the locker room.

Alonso acknowledged Boniface's off-field activities but emphasised that part of his role is to ensure the forward remains focused on football.

"All the teammates really like him; he creates a fantastic atmosphere. Sometimes I have to remind him to focus solely on football, but that's my job—it's what I'm working to do," Coach Alonso said, as captured by efotbal.cz.

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Victor Boniface explains goal celebration after brace for Bayer Leverkusen

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Despite this, Alonso will be relying heavily on the star forward, who finished as the team's top scorer according to Fotmob, as they seek to defend their Bundesliga title and DFB Pokal trophy this season.

Leverkusen, currently in fifth place in the Bundesliga standings, will face a resilient Bayern Munich side, who appear rejuvenated under new manager, Vincent Kompany.

Top 5 Ballon d'Or robberies

Earlier, YEN.com.gh explored some of the biggest controversies surrounding the Ballon d'Or, focusing on the top five instances where players were deemed to have been unjustly denied the prestigious award.

These decisions have sparked ongoing debate, with many fans and pundits continuing to express their outrage over the perceived 'robberies.'

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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