Head coach of German Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen Xabi Alonso has called leaped to the defence of Nigeria international striker Victor Boniface who scored the winner in yesterday’s UEFA Champions League 1-0 win over AC Milan, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Boniface opened his account in the tournament by reacting faster than to a spilled effort, and the goal ended up as the sole game of the game, handing his side their second consecutive win of the tournament in as many games.
He was however subjected to criticism owing to the way he hangs on to the ball even when not needed. Most times it either kills or slow down the pace with which the team is attacking as seen in some attacking phase of play in yesterday’s win over the Italian side.
Alonso was asked about his opinion on the Nigerian style of play after the game and he called for patience, insisting that Boniface should be judged on the fact that he did his role as a striker by scoring the goal that decided the game.
“But he’s also done very well. Some situations in the first half against Gabbia or Emerson were not easy on the left side, which is his space. Yes, in the first half he was too… he wanted a nutmeg when there was space outside for Grimaldo, for Jerry [Frimpong]. But we know him, we understand him, we support him. In the end we won 1-0, the striker scored a goal – he’s done his job very well’, he said at the post match presser.
