Bayer Leverkusen manager, Xabi Alonso has shared that star striker, Victor Boniface must become more aware of his own potential and work on improving his delivery outside the box.

Boniface has been a standout performer this season, scoring five goals and providing one assist, becoming a key figure for the Bundesliga side.

On Tuesday, the Nigerian played a decisive role in Leverkusen’s 1-0 victory over AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League, scoring the winning goal after an earlier effort was disallowed.

He scores during the UEFA Champions League match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AC Milan at BayArena. (Photo by Jörg Schüler/Bayer 04 Leverkusen via Getty Images)

However, the Forward admitted he made some mistakes during the game and could have performed better in certain moments.

Boniface revealed that Alonso has encouraged him to study legendary striker Didier Drogba, advising him to replicate Drogba’s clinical finishing and powerful presence in front of goal.

Carlos Puyol defending against Didier Drogba in 2012. Photo | Image: Getty

In a post-match interview, when asked about transforming his Forward into a more efficient striker like Drogba, the Leverkusen manager said, “He has many qualities that could make him as strong as Drogba. He was a great one but he is so powerful and can create many problems,” per Oma Sport TV.

The Spanish coach highlighted that while the Nigerian has physical attributes, there’s still a lot of work.

Xabi Alonso. (Photo by Alexander Scheuber – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

“Boniface needs to know his own quality, he is good with the ball in short spaces, and he likes being around the box.

“Sometimes he needs to be more aggressive in attacking like today when he scored the first goal that was disallowed,” Alonso explained.

“It’s a process we need to help him, we need to push him and sometimes to take better decisions when space is outside.”