'With him, we have flexibility' - Bayer Leverkusen coach reveals Boniface's best two positions

Bayern Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has highlighted two key positions where Nigerian forward Victor Boniface can contribute as the team enters the final stretch of the season.  

Alonso believes Boniface is versatile enough to play both as a center forward and as a winger, providing flexibility to Leverkusen's attacking setup.  

Since returning from injury, Boniface has struggled to reclaim his starting spot, with Patrik Schick and Nathan Tella ahead of him in the pecking order.

However, he was still included in Nigeria's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, making a brief substitute appearance against Zimbabwe.  

Following his international duty, Boniface returned to Leverkusen and scored in their 3-1 victory over Bochum last Friday.

With Leverkusen set to face Arminia Bielefeld in the DFB Pokal, he is expected to start alongside Schick, especially in the absence of Florian Wirtz.  

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, as reported by Bild, Alonso praised the partnership of Boniface and Schick in the Bochum game.  

"I liked both of them against Bochum, especially in the second half," Alonso said.  

The former Liverpool midfielder also expressed confidence in Boniface's versatility, stating that he is now back at a good level and can be deployed in different attacking roles.  

"He did well. Boni is back at a good level and can certainly play from the start. With him, we have flexibility; he can play as a center forward or as a winger," Alonso added.  

Boniface has been a key contributor for Leverkusen this season, scoring 11 goals and providing one assist in 23 matches across all competitions.

His resurgence will be crucial as Leverkusen continues their push for silverware in the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal.

Adeyemi Adewale

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