Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has expressed satisfaction with Victor Boniface’s progress during pre-season, insisting the Super Eagles striker is steadily rediscovering his best form ahead of the 26/27 Bundesliga campaign, Footynaija.com reports.
Boniface has enjoyed an encouraging return to action after undergoing knee cartilage surgery in January, an injury that ruled him out for the remainder of last season. Having completed his rehabilitation, the 25-year-old has rejoined Leverkusen’s first-team squad and has featured prominently in the club’s pre-season preparations under new head coach Carles Martínez.
Speaking to BILD, Rolfes admitted he has been impressed by the Nigerian’s steady improvement since returning to full training. He also praised Boniface’s mentality, noting that the former Union Saint-Gilloise forward has approached every pre-season fixture with the same level of commitment regardless of the opposition.
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“My feeling is that he’s getting better,” Rolfes said.
“He is showing his quality and his cleverness. Boni is able to use his body effectively.
“He’s determined to give it his all and get everything he’s got.”
Boniface has backed up those encouraging words with a string of eye-catching displays in pre-season. The Nigerian striker scored twice after coming off the bench in Leverkusen’s 7-0 victory over Sportfreunde Bamberg before producing another lively performance in the 3-1 win against Kickers Offenbach, where he provided two assists.
Boniface is expected to continue building his match fitness when Leverkusen host Belgian side Genk in another pre-season friendly on Wednesday, with the Bundesliga outfit carefully managing his workload ahead of the new campaign.
Having put his injury troubles behind him, the Super Eagles striker will be eager to cement his place in Carles Martínez’s plans as Leverkusen prepare for the start of the Bundesliga season.
