Bundesliga
Rolfes Hails Boniface’s Revival as Leverkusen Striker Nears Peak Fitness
Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has expressed satisfaction with Victor Boniface’s progress after the Nigerian striker showed encouraging signs of returning to top form during the club’s pre-season preparations.
Boniface has looked sharper and more mobile since rejoining Leverkusen, with his improved fitness and movement standing out in recent friendly matches. The 25-year-old delivered another promising display in Leverkusen’s 3-1 victory over fourth-tier side Kickers Offenbach, underlining his steady recovery following a lengthy injury layoff.
Rolfes, who has closely monitored the striker’s development, believes Boniface is rediscovering the qualities that made him one of the Bundesliga’s most dangerous forwards.
“My feeling is that he’s getting better,” Rolfes told BILD.
The Leverkusen chief praised Boniface’s technical quality, football intelligence, and ability to use his physical attributes effectively, insisting the striker is gradually returning to his best.
“He is showing his quality and his cleverness. Boni is able to use his body effectively,” Rolfes said.
Beyond his physical progress, Rolfes also commended Boniface’s attitude, highlighting the forward’s commitment and hunger to perform regardless of the opposition.
“He’s determined to give it his all and get everything he’s got,” he added.
Boniface will have another opportunity to build his match fitness on Wednesday when Bayer Leverkusen host Belgian top-flight side Genk in a pre-season friendly.
The Nigerian’s encouraging form marks another milestone in his recovery after undergoing knee surgery in January during a loan spell at Werder Bremen. Following the operation, he completed part of his rehabilitation at Leverkusen before returning to Bremen to finish his recovery programme.
Questions had been raised earlier this year about Boniface’s physical condition, but his recent displays suggest he is closing in on the form that established him as one of Europe’s most exciting attacking talents before injury interrupted his momentum.
