Why I began Boniface vs Hoffenheim after three-month damage layoff – Xabi Alonso

Bayer Leverkusen supervisor Xabi Alonso has defined his fast determination to start out Victor Boniface of their conflict in opposition to Hoffenheim in his return from damage after three months, Soccernet.ng experiences. 

Boniface was thrust straight into the beginning lineup in opposition to Reward Orban’s new facet as Leverkusen continued their push for the Bundesliga title.

The Nigerian ahead, who had been sidelined since November following an damage whereas on worldwide responsibility, made his presence felt by scoring the opening aim within the fifteenth minute.

Boniface’s aim got here after a exact move from Alejandro Grimaldo, with the Nigerian calmly firing the ball previous Hoffenheim’s goalkeeper Luca Philip into the bottom-right nook.

Regardless of Leverkusen being diminished to 10 males after a pink card, Boniface’s efficiency was an important consider securing all three factors for the Bundesliga facet.

Leverkusen supervisor Xabi Alonso defined the choice to start out Boniface as being an necessary second for the participant.

“I all the time have belief. It was an necessary second for him after his damage. The scenario final week was a bit unusual, disagreeable,” Alonso stated. “It was necessary that he felt necessary once more, felt the love of the followers, that’s necessary for the thoughts.”

Boniface’s return has come at a time when he has confronted some points off the pitch, together with rumours surrounding his girlfriend and a failed switch to Al Nassr. Regardless of these distractions, the 24-year-old has dealt with the scenario with professionalism.

In the meantime, beneath coach Eric Chelle, Boniface could possibly be a beneficial asset for Nigeria’s upcoming worldwide fixtures in opposition to Rwanda and Zimbabwe along with his goal-scoring type seeking to be again on observe.