Schick has seen the glove thrown. Boniface is taking a break. Patrik is still one of the best strikers in the Bundesliga, sounds from Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen is preparing for the upcoming start of the spring Bundesliga season and the line-up includes the healed Patrik Schick and the talented Adam Hložek and Matěj Kovář. Especially the former can enjoy the fact that he will certainly get a lot of space. Will he use it? The club believes he will.

Victor Boniface came to Leverkusen as an interesting prospect, however, in his previous engagements the Nigerian striker did not have very special numbers. Still, Bayer didn’t hesitate to pay almost double the value Transfermarkt estimated for him.

But the investment has paid off so far. The 23-year-old goalscorer scores goals, passes them on. So, when Patrik Schick was injured, he had to watch a giant competitor grow up in front of his eyes. But the Czech striker is still trusted. He is not forgotten.

After all, that’s why he was given the chance to play immediately after a long medical break. And the competition is obviously good for him. He scored several goals in just a few minutes. And he’s already made a name for himself in training, which is great news.

Boniface was due to take part in the Africa Cup of Nations and has already been to a training camp with the Nigerian team. But unfortunately, he was injured and probably won’t make it to the tournament. He took to social media to wish Nigeria good luck.

Bulinews reports that it is not yet known exactly how the striker is and what his injury is. However, he should definitely be out until at least February. He was even already supposed to travel back to Germany to start his treatment.

Will Patrik Schick take advantage of the gauntlet thrown down?

Leverkusen were counting on Patrik Schick to immediately replace Victor Boniface once he leaves for the Africa Cup of Nations. The length of the Nigerian striker’s absence would depend on how Nigeria fared at the tournament. This way, the Czech striker could be assured of a place in the squad for a little longer.

Moreover, Boniface will have to make up for the break, get back in shape, and get back on track. Schick could get a little more time.

The good news is that the Sparta Prague alumnus is not under any huge pressure. The Leverkusen management is not pressuring him. On the contrary. Schick enjoys a lot of trust from the club.

“He is absolutely ready for the coming weeks. He played several games in quick succession before Christmas. He’s doing great in preparation. He has recently shown again that he is still one of the best strikers in the Bundesliga. He will soon be even more consistent,” says sporting director Simon Rolfes.

Among other things, Rolfes compared the qualities of Schick and Boniface. Both are, according to him, great goal scorers who can still develop and be actively involved in Leverkusen’s attacking play. Yet they are different. According to him, Boniface is adorned with physical qualities and good dribbling, while Schick has a high quality of finishing in the hexagon and is more involved in the combination.

Patrik Schick has played 9 competitive games this season with a record of 6 goals and 1 assist. He spent only 242 minutes on the pitch.

Source: Bulinews, Kicker, Transfermarkt, Bayer Leverkusen