By Rune Gjerulff @runegjerulff
Simon Rolfes, Granit Xhaka and Xabi Alonso have all praised Victor Boniface after the Nigerian striker’s impressive start to the season.
| Photo: Bayer 04 Leverkusen |
Victor Boniface has hit the ground running at Bayer 04 Leverkusen following his move from Union Saint-Gilloise, scoring four goals in his first three Bundesliga appearances for his new club.
Bayer 04 managing director for sport Simon Rolfes is naturally delighted with the impact the Nigerian striker has made right from the start.
“He has had a great start. He is being used well and is showing his qualities,” Rolfes told Kicker, pointing out that there is more to Boniface than “just” his goals.
“He also has the presence to hold the ball as a nine. Of course, people are right to talk about his goals, but it’s also important for the development of the game that you know you have someone to pass to when the opposition is pressing. That helps the center backs open up the game and our game. That’s just as important as the goals he’s scored,” Rolfes stressed.
Midfield lynchpin Granit Xhaka is confident that Boniface will continue to impress, highlighting the striker’s hunger for success.
“‘Boni’ is a down-to-earth guy. It’s good for the team to see that: We have someone up front who is hungry, who wants to enjoy success. That’s how you get better. He makes the team better, he makes himself better. We’re lucky to have someone like that.”
Bayer 04 coach Xabi Alonso describes the Nigerian forward as a “complete” striker.
“He helps the team with his game. He wants to enjoy the game. But not just for himself. He is not just a classic striker, not just a bomber – he is complete,” said Alonso of Boniface, who has just received his first call-up to the Nigerian national team.
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