Xabi Alonso backs Victor Boniface to emulate Didder Drogba legacy

By Saheed Afolabi

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has encouraged Nigerian forward Victor Boniface to model his playing style after Didier Drogba, the Ivory Coast legend.

Boniface recently scored his first UEFA Champions League goal against AC Milan, earning praise from Alonso for his potential.

Alonso sees strong similarities between Boniface and Drogba, particularly in their physicality and ability to cause problems for defenders.

“He has many qualities that could make him as strong as Drogba. He was a great one but he is so powerful and can create many problems,” Alonso said, as reported by Oma Sport TV.

The Spanish coach advised Boniface to focus on improving his play in short spaces, especially around the opposition’s penalty box, emphasizing the need of being more aggressive in front of goal, pointing to a disallowed goal Boniface scored as a sign of what he can achieve.

“Boniface needs to know his own quality. He is good with the ball in short spaces, and he likes being around the box,” Alonso added.

Alonso acknowledged that it’s a process, but he believes Boniface can grow into an even more potent player with time.

“We need to push him and sometimes take better decisions when space is outside,” he concluded.

Leverkusen, aiming to defend their Bundesliga title, will host Kiel Holstein on Saturday, September 5.