Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has reassured fans that he is pleased with Super Eagles attacker Victor Boniface, despite the forward’s limited playing time, Sportblog247.com reports.

Xabi Alonso recently led Bayer Leverkusen to a triumphant German Bundesliga season, achieving an impressive 50-match unbeaten run.

Victor Boniface faced a setback when he picked up a knock just days before his debut at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. This led to him undergoing surgery for an adductor muscle injury in January. After three months away from the Leverkusen squad, Boniface returned for their German Cup semi-final against Fortuna Düsseldorf. Since his return, he has started only three of the 12 games for the current Bundesliga champions.

With Leverkusen set to face Italian Serie A side Atalanta BC in the final of the 2023-24 UEFA Europa League, questions arose about Boniface’s involvement. Ahead of the clash, Nigerian journalist Oma Akatugba asked Alonso why the Nigerian forward had limited playing time since his return from injury.

Alonso emphasized that the club values Boniface’s contributions and appreciates when a player fights for a spot in the squad. “It’s a good question, but for sure, after the injury, it takes time. We have a wide squad with many players, all of whom want to be on the pitch. I like when someone is not playing and shows the character to prove to me that ‘coach, you were wrong, I have to be on the pitch.’ I am happy with Boniface. The impact he has had this year has helped us a lot, and we are helping him get back on track. Tell your people in Nigeria that we are happy with him,” Alonso said via a video shared by Oma Akatugba.

Boniface recently won the Bundesliga Rookie of the Season award following his impressive performance for the Black and Reds. The Super Eagles attacker led the votes in a contest that included Xavi Simons, Ian Maatsen, and Maximilian Beier. The 23-year-old has scored 13 goals and provided three assists in the Bundesliga this season, winning the monthly award four consecutive times from August to December 2023.