Victor Boniface’s fitness excites Xabi Alonso ahead of season kickoff

By Monsurah Olatunji

Nigeria forward Victor Boniface has earned his Bayer Leverkusen coach, Xabi Alonso’s trust and praise as they prepare for their season opener.

The Bundesliga champions will hope to defend their title and do well in their Champions League campaign. All these will be easily possible if they have one of their key players in the best fitness form.

Boniface was instrumental in the club’s historic Bundesliga title win, where they remained unbeaten throughout the season, with 16 goals and 10 assists in 23 matches despite an injury spell.

Alonso’s boys will kick off their season with a Super Cup clash against Stuttgart on August 17, followed by the start of their title defence against Borussia Mönchengladbach on August 23.

Although the Nigerian star struggled to recapture the electrifying form that made him one of the standout players in the Bundesliga after returning from injury, his coach has expressed his excitement over his improved fitness.

“I am pleased that he has used the time. After the injury, we did not have enough time for him to train,” Alonso said, as per Liga Insider.

“We needed him for the games. Now we see a Boni who is lighter and more athletic in the box.”