Leverkusen: Victor Boniface, the Bundesliga's new goal machine
With 6 goals and 3 assists in 6 games, Nigerian striker Victor Boniface has made an excellent start to the season.
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Victor Osimhen terrorised European defences last season with Napoli, establishing himself as one of the best strikers on the continent. This season, another Nigeria international is following in his footsteps. Signed for €20 million from Union Saint-Gilloise, Victor Boniface, the 22-year-old striker, has moved to Bayer Leverkusen to make a name for himself in a more prestigious league.
Under Xabi Alonso, he has quickly settled into this attacking philosophy. A striker with a distinctive profile, Victor Boniface stands out for his power, his relentless movement and above all his link-up play, which is vital in making the players around him shine. "He's a great player, a special player. He's a striker but he doesn't only play for himself, he's generous. We're really happy to have him here," says Leverkusen's Spanish coach, Xabi Alonso. His start to the season has won universal praise, as shown by his awards for Player of the Month and Young Player of the Month for August. He is only the second player to achieve that double, after a certain Erling Haaland.
6 goals and 3 assists in 6 games
With no need for time to adapt, he has won everyone over with his ability to score. On Thursday 21 September, in Bayer Leverkusen's opening Europa League match, the Super Eagles forward played a part in the side's comfortable win (4-0) with a goal against BK Häcken. That takes his total to 6 goals in all competitions. What makes Victor Boniface special is his ability to lift the whole team. His intelligent movement to create space and his ability to combine have already brought him 3 assists in just 6 games this season in his new colours. Moroccan playmaker Amine Adli and Florian Wirtz are thriving in the Nigerian's game.