Xabi Alonso open to Boniface and Schick strike partnership

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has said he is open to using a strike partnership between Victor Boniface and Patrik Schick.

In their DFB Pokal quarter-final against Koln, Alonso typically played with one striker, choosing Schick to lead the attack. However, with Bayer Leverkusen trailing 2-1, Alonso brought Boniface on in the 76th minute. This proved to be the right decision, as both players scored, helping the team secure a 3-2 win.

Although Boniface and Schick have never started a match together, Alonso often used one of them off the bench when he needed goals last season. Alonso generally prefers to play with just one striker, and his tactical approach suggests he may not change his formation. However, when asked about the possibility of using both strikers together, Alonso confirmed that he is open to the idea.

“Yes, that’s an option. We decide what we need every game, and if we think they can link up and understand what the team needs, it’s an option,” Alonso said.

Boniface is known for being one of the best ball-playing strikers. The 23-year-old is skilled at dribbling past defenders and has excellent vision, qualities that Alonso admires. His style is different from Schick’s, as Schick prefers to stay in the box and wait for goal-scoring opportunities.

If Boniface played behind Schick, his creativity and playmaking could shine, drawing defenders and creating space for Schick to take advantage of. However, Alonso would need to ensure that this does not interfere with the role of Florian Wirtz in the team.