Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has hinted at handing Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface a starting role in Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final first-leg clash against West Ham United.
The Bundesliga champions-elect are currently enjoying a flawless season which has been them embark on an impressive 41-game unbeaten streak in all competitions.
However, Leverkusen would have to be at their best when they take on West Ham, who recorded an emphatic 5-1 aggregate win over fellow German side Freiburg in the previous round.
Aware of the threat posed by David Moyes’ side, Alonso is keen to put out his best team for the game and has Spanish coach has hinted at starting Nigeria star Boniface against the Hammers.
Alonso: Victor Boniface is ready to start against West Ham
Boniface returned from a three-month injury layoff earlier in April and has since made two substitute appearances for Leverkusen. The Nigeria international came off the bench to play the final 25 minutes of the club’s victory over Fortuna Dusseldorf in the semi-final of the DFB Pokal.
The 23-year-old made another cameo appearance in last Saturday’s Bundesliga win against Union Berlin, replacing Borja Iglesias in the 67th minute. Having racked up some minutes following his return from injury, Alonso has now confirmed that Boniface is ready to start matches.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of his side's Europa League first-leg tie against West Ham, the Spaniard expressed his delight at finally being able to play the Super Eagles striker from the start.
“He played a little bit against Union Berlin but he’s now ready to play from the first minute on. It’s good for us to have this option that he’s with us and can play,” Alonso said, as quoted by Metro.co.uk.
Meanwhile, Boniface and Leverkusen have the treble in sight and could be crowned Bundesliga champions this weekend if Bayern fail to win their game against Koln on Saturday. Die Werkself are also in the final of the DFB Pokal, where they’re favourites to win against Bundesliga 2 outfit FC Kaiserslautern.
