Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso is enthusiastic about Victor Boniface‘s fitness as the club concludes its preseason preparations for the 2024/25 campaign.
Boniface enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with Bayer Leverkusen following his move from Union Saint-Gilloise last summer. The Nigerian striker was instrumental in the club's historic unbeaten Bundesliga title-winning season.
However, his progress was halted by an injury sustained just before Nigeria's Africa Cup of Nations campaign in January and February, curtailing his momentum.
Though Boniface returned to action before the season ended, he found it challenging to regain the electrifying form that had made him one of the Bundesliga's standout players.
Alonso pleased with Victor Boniface's preseason form
Prior to his injury, the 23-year-old forward had been nearly unstoppable, with 16 goals and 10 assists in just 23 matches.
In the final ten league games after his return in April, Boniface added five goals and two assists to his tally, but his performances lacked the spark that had previously defined his play.
However, this preseason has seen Victor Boniface make significant strides in his recovery. Although he hasn’t found the net in recent friendly matches, his displays in training have impressed Alonso, signaling a return to the form that made him a key player for Leverkusen.
“I am pleased that he has used the time,” Alonso said, as per Liga Insider. “After the injury, we did not have enough time for him to train. We needed him for the games. Now we see a Boni who is lighter and more athletic in the box.”
Bayer Leverkusen will commence their Bundesliga title defence with a Super Cup clash against Stuttgart on August 17. The defending champions will then turn their attention to the league opener against Borussia Mönchengladbach on August 23.
