Nigeria forward Victor Boniface has been named in the Bundesliga Team of the Season after a fantastic debut season in Germany’s top-flight league.
The 23-year old got into the Bundesliga XI for the 23/24 season alongside teammates Jeremy Frimpong, Jonathan Tah, Alejandro Grimaldo, Granit Xhaka and Florian Wirtz.
The Bundesliga Team of the Season is a fitting tribute to Bayer Leverkusen's historic campaign.
Their relentless dominance, culminating in an unbeaten league run of 31 games and the dethroning of Bayern Munich after 11 years of Bundesliga supremacy, is undeniably reflected in the chosen squad.
2023/24 Bundesliga Team of the Season
Headlining the selections is the Leverkusen five-man contingent. Their unshakable back four boasts a formidable trio: the ever-reliable centre back German international Jonathan Tah, Jeremie Frimpong and Alejandro Grimaldo.
Tah and VFB Stuggart's Walderma Anton pair at centre back while Grimaldo is set at left back of the Team of the Season.
Flanking this defensive wall is Bundesliga newcomer Jeremie Frimpong, whose blistering pace and attacking prowess terrorized defenses all season.
In the heart of midfield, the maestro himself, Florian Wirtz, takes center stage. His dazzling performances have earned him a well-deserved spot.
With 11 goals and a staggering 11 assists in just 31 league games, Wirtz has established himself as a generational talent. Partnering him is the equally gifted Jamal Musiala who has Nigerian heritage.
While not part of Leverkusen's title-winning squad, Musiala's undeniable impact on Bayern Munich's attack secures him a place alongside Wirtz.
The ever-influential Granit Xhaka completes the midfield trio. His arrival from Arsenal in the summer has been nothing short of transformational for Leverkusen.
Xhaka's leadership, experience, and technical precision have been instrumental in their success, making him a strong contender for the ‘signing of the season' accolade.
Standing tall between the posts is Borussia Dortmund's Gregor Kobel. His exceptional shot-stopping abilities and commanding presence in the box solidified Dortmund's defense and earned him the coveted ‘best shot stopper' title.
Victor Boniface leads the line with impressive physical and technical attributes that has terrorised Bundesliga defenders all season. Full of tricks and flicks, he is also a clinical finisher who might have had more if not for injuries.
Surely the Bundesliga have taken notice of the Nigerian.
Victor Boniface lights up the Bundesliga
Boniface has made a splash since moving to Germany from Belgian side Union St Gilliose to the Bundesliga.
After several Man of the Match, Rookie of the Month and Player of the Month awards, it is only fitting that he crowns it with a Team of the Season place.
He started the season on fire with seven goals in ten games in the Bundesliga.
An injury, suffered at Nigeria’s training camp in January ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations meant he missed three months of football and only returned in April.
His overall contribution to Leverkusen’s title triumph has not gone unnoticed by the voters.
According to Bundesliga.com “If he hadn't been injured in preparing for the AFCON, Leverkusen's lead striker would have made an even bigger splash this season. He remains top scorer at the champions despite missing 11 matches due to injury – and is a bona fide attacking livewire.
Despite the setbacks the Akure born striker has registered 18 goals and 10 assists in all competitions.
Surely, Boniface will be glad his debut season in the Bundesliga has come with so much success and recognition for it will only fuel his desire to do more.
Bundesliga Team of the Season
Goalkeeper – Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund)
Defenders: Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen), Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen), Waldemar Anton (VfB Stuttgart), Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen)
Midfielders – Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich), Granit Xhaka (Bayer Leverkusen), Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)
Forwards – Serhou Guirassy (VfB Stuttgart), Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen)
