Despite Not Scoring, Boniface Wins Fourth Rookie Award

Nigeria international and Bayer Leverkusen forward, Victor Boniface, has won the Bundesliga Rookie of the Month award for the fourth consecutive time despite not scoring in the month of November.

Boniface had scooped the award in August, September and October.

The Nigeria international beat RB Leipzig winger Xavi Simons and Freiburg’s Merlin Rohl to the November award.

He chipped in with two assists in the 3-2 win away at Hoffenheim on Matchday 10. The Nigerian was his usual shot-happy self with 11 attempts, but he is much more than just a classic centre-forward. He also set up three attempts for teammates, meaning he was directly involved in a shot on goal every 18 minutes on average.

Boniface looks the complete striker. As well as taking and teeing up shots, the 22-year-old also gets stuck into challenges, winning 52 percent of duels in November.

“He’s an important factor with his physicality, holding up the ball and creating space for his teammates,” said sporting director Simon Rolfes.

The Nigerian did get on the scoresheet away from the Bundesliga last month, ensuring Leverkusen’s progress to the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League as group winners with a 1-0 win over Qarabag in Azerbaijan.

Boniface, who won the Bundesliga Player of the Month award in August has been in fantastic form since switching Union St Gilloise for Bayer Leverkusen in the summer.

The striker has scored 14 goals and provided six assists in 20 appearances across all competitions for Xabi Alonso’s side this season.

Credit: punchng.com