Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso has hinted at the possibility of pairing Victor Boniface and Patrik Schick more often, stating that their link-up play could be an option depending on the team’s needs.
Both strikers have been in outstanding form this season, but with the Spanish manager typically deploying a system that features a lone striker, only one of Boniface or Schick gets the nod to start each game.
After both Boniface and Schick scored in Leverkusen’s 3-2 win over FC Cologne in the DFB-Pokal quarter-finals on Wednesday, Alonso has not ruled out playing them together more often.
It was the second consecutive game in which both strikers found the net, having also scored against Hoffenheim over the weekend.
Alonso open to Boniface-Schick duo as season progresses
Speaking in an interview with WerkselfXtra on X, Alonso hinted at the possibility of deploying Boniface and Schick together more frequently as the season unfolds.
“Yes, that's an option. We decide what we need every game and if we think that they can link up and understand what the team needs, it's an option,” he said.
Schick joined Bayer Leverkusen in 2020 and swiftly established himself as the club's primary forward. However, following a prolonged injury in 2022, Leverkusen secured the signing of Boniface from Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, who was brought in as his replacement.
The 24-year-old has since made the position his and played a vital role in Leverkusen's historic season last term, scoring/assisting 31 goals in 34 games as Die Werkself went about sweeping the DFB-Pokal and a maiden Bundesliga title.
Boniface has recorded nine goals and one assist in 17 appearances across all competitions this season, while Schick has netted 19 times and contributed one assist in 27 matches.
