Former VfL Bochum manager Peter Neururer has questioned Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso’s decision to leave Victor Boniface out of the starting lineup in their Bundesliga clash against Bayern Munich on Saturday.
Leverkusen put on a dominant display against Bayern, but Neururer believes Alonso’s tactical decision to start Nathan Tella instead of Boniface may have cost the team an even greater attacking edge.
Speaking to Wettfreunde.net, the former Bochum boss argued that Boniface’s presence would have made a significant difference in front of goal.
Tella worked well defensively but missed several key chances, Neururer said. I need players like Boniface, like Schick—players who are dangerous in front of goal.
It’s not just about creating chances from deep, but also having the right players to convert them.
Alonso’s tactical gamble
Neururer acknowledged that Leverkusen played exceptional football but suggested that Alonso may have overthought his selection, prioritising Tella’s work rate over Boniface’s goal-scoring ability.
In his Wettfreunde.net column, he praised Leverkusen’s overall performance but questioned the omission of a natural striker.
Leverkusen showed football at its finest, but only in one direction,” Neururer noted.
With Boniface leading the attack, they could have been even more clinical against Bayern.
Boniface’s impact this season
Boniface has been instrumental in Leverkusen’s title charge, delivering crucial goals and establishing himself as one of the most effective forwards in the Bundesliga.
His absence from the starting lineup against Bayern was a surprise, given his ability to provide a focal point in attack.
While Schick was also overlooked, Neururer focused his criticism on the exclusion of Boniface, who has been one of Leverkusen’s standout performers this season.
Pressure on Alonso’s selection decisions
Alonso has received widespread acclaim for transforming Leverkusen into genuine title contenders, but his lineup choices are now under scrutiny.
While Tella’s inclusion added defensive stability, Neururer believes a clinical forward like Boniface would have given Leverkusen a sharper edge in front of goal.
With Leverkusen fighting for Bundesliga glory, Alonso’s decisions in key matches will be heavily analysed.
Whether he reinstates Boniface in the starting lineup for future fixtures could be crucial as the title race intensifies.
