By Henrik Petersen

Alonso on Boniface: "He can and must do more"

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso praises Victor Boniface, but stresses that he wants the Nigerian to work harder when Die Werkself are not in possession.

 

Victor Boniface inspired Bayer Leverkusen to a 4-1 win over Hoffenheim on Saturday, setting up the opener before scoring a brace.

It was the first time this season that the Nigeria international had got on the scoresheet, and as Bayer 04 coach Xabi Alonso explained after the game, the second goal in particular was “very important for the striker's confidence and mood.”

Alonso is expecting "the best from Boni" this campaign after the striker's second half of last season was hampered by a tendon injury that sidelined him from January to March.

As Alonso pointed out, it's "always difficult for defenders to play against" Boniface - but he says the striker has to work harder when Leverkusen don't have the ball.

“He can and must do more. He knows it and the team needs it,” emphasized the Spaniard at the post-match press conference.

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