Weekend MVPs: Boniface, Kossonou, Adli, Tella and Tapsoba make history
Bayer Leverkusen make history with 5 Africans. Boniface, Tella, Tapsoba, Kossonou and Amin Adli are German champions.
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For once, this latest edition of the weekend MVP column from Sport News Africa turns the spotlight on Bayer Leverkusen's African quintet. The club made Bundesliga history on Sunday. After 120 years of existence, Bayern, coached by Spaniard Xabi Alonso, have won the German championship, ending 11 years of Bayern Munich dominance. And in the Leverkusen squad, five African players played a major part: Victor Boniface, Nathan Tella, Odilon Kossonou, Amin Adli and Edmond Tapsoba.
Boniface, Bayer Leverkusen's Mr Plus
Signed last summer from Union Saint-Gilloise for 20 million euros, Victor Boniface proved hugely important to Bayer Leverkusen from his first games. The Nigerian, impeccable in build-up play and in front of goal, helped give his club a flying start. Sidelined by an injury that cost him the Africa Cup of Nations and two months of action, the 23-year-old striker lost none of his influence on his return. Yesterday, in the historic match against Werder (5-0), he was the one who got Bayer up and running. He opened the scoring from the penalty spot and set up the 2nd goal for Granit Xhaka. Despite his long absence, and in his first season, he has 11 goals and 9 assists in 18 Bundesliga games. He has 5 matchdays left to improve on his already superb numbers.
Edmond Tapsoba, the cornerstone
Heavily courted last summer, Edmond Tapsoba ultimately stayed at Bayer Leverkusen, whom he joined in 2020 from Guimaraes (Portugal). The Burkinabé defender made the right call. He is now one of the players who have ended the Red and Blacks' hard-luck run. Both elegant and robust, the Etalon is a key man for Xabi Alonso. Tapsoba, 25, has played 23 Bundesliga games and provided one assist. He has only missed the matches during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations period in January.
Odilon Kossonou, African and German champion
His 2024 has been extraordinary so far. In February, Odilon Kossonou won the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, played in his home country, Ivory Coast. And a few weeks later, here he is winning the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen. He could add to his haul of trophies in 2024 with the Europa League and the German Cup. The trio he forms in defence with Edmond Tapsoba and Jonathan Tah, a German defender of Ivorian descent, is almost impossible to break down. The 23-year-old Ivorian, who arrived in 2021 from FC Bruges, has played 18 Bundesliga games (1 goal). He played the full match against Werder on Sunday.
Nathan Tella, the supersub
Like his compatriot Victor Boniface, he also arrived last summer to strengthen Xabi Alonso's squad. Though not an undisputed starter, he has made a big contribution to this historic title win. The 24-year-old winger has been a magical supersub. His introductions have always energised the team. He has featured in 20 Bundesliga games, scoring 5 goals and providing 2 assists. Yesterday, he started the match against Werder before making way shortly after the hour mark.
Amin Adli, the provider
He too has been a valuable supersub for Bayer Leverkusen. With impressive technical quality and an ability to beat players with his left foot, Amin Adli has often posed a threat when coming on to the pitch. In 20 games, the 23-year-old Moroccan attacking midfielder has made a decisive contribution seven times, with 2 goals and 5 assists.