Wrestling, no-looks and nutmegs: This is Victor Boniface — Scout report 23/24

After impressing at Royale Union Saint Gilloise, Leverkusen decided they needed a certain striker, named Victor Boniface. It’d be interesting to read the scout report that was created by Leverkusen at the time, since this player is hard to describe. Nevertheless, paying 20,5 million euro’s for such a player is a sign of great things to come.

Contents

1. Biography
2. Matches scouted
3. Player style
4. Technical attributes
5. Physical attributes
6. Mental attributes
7. Current level
8. Potential level

Src: Score Nigeria

Biography

• Name: Victor Okoh Boniface
• Date of birth: 23–12–2000
• Nationality: Nigeria
• Position: Striker
• Current club: Bayer 04 Leverkusen
• Preferred foot: Right
• Length: 190 cm
• Previous clubs: Union SG, Bodo/Glimt
• Biggest transfer: 20,5 million from Union SG to Bayer Leverkusen

Matches scouted

• Leverkusen — RB Leipzig
• FC Bayern — Leverkusen

Player style

Victor Boniface has played as a supporting striker during the 2 matches that have been scouted. He likes to hold the ball using his amazing strength and playing it over to his teammates. When he has the space, he will take it by going forward on himself, but will often lay it aside; unusual for a striker.

Boniface will likely struggle when pressed by several opponents. He can use his strength well to block off opponents, but it often costs technical ability.

But what’s all the hype about? Apart from his 9 goals and 3 assists in only 10 games this season, he is also a joy to watch. Just in the 2 scouted games, the player showed unexpected skill moves (due to his big body), including fake shots, no look passes and nutmegs. The joy in how he plays is simply amazing to watch. The skills that he puts out always come when you don’t expect them, similar to Mario Balotelli back in the day.

Technical attributes

On the ball, Boniface will surprise you again and again. He often struggles with his first touch and generally getting the ball under control, but when this is set and done a defender must watch out. He is seen as a pacy dribbler when he has the space, but even without space a good dribble can create it.

When Boniface is closed down, he has various skill moves in his locker to get out of the situation. It helps that a lot of opponents don’t really know him well enough yet though.

Physical attributes

Physically, Boniface already looks like he will bring the defense of the opponent a lot of trouble. His looks don’t disappoint, he is ready to body defenders out of the way to get to the ball. As expected, he is not very agile though.

On pace he is not sublime, but not slow either. He doesn’t show it often though, this reveals his stamina might not be at best yet. This is also seen in the late stages of the game, where he stays out some promising counter attacks.

Mental attributes

The biggest power of this very unique player might just be the joy he has during a game. Playing with a big smile and constantly wanting more. This must be an absolute benefit for manager Xabi Alonso.

Positioning wise, Boniface looks to be a classic supporting target man. He is positioned with his back to the goal in buildup. In advanced possession, he always looks to stay around the second post, targeting a single defender instead of playing in between the lines. He also often succeeds to create spaces for his teammates by moving away. This in combination with the fact he passes in spacious situations shows this striker is not just playing his own game.

During some moments he still has some miscommunications with his teammates which costs him the ball quite often. Assuming this is because he is new at the club, this is not a factor to worry about.

Current level

Currently Boniface is playing at Leverkusen who are still top of the table whilst Boniface is thriving in the squad. Whilst judging his current level, we do have to take into account that the rest of the Bayer 04 squad is also player amazingly well. Having Frimpong on your right, Hofmann on the left and Wirtz behind you is something a lot of strikers would dream of.

Even though Boniface is averaging a goal per game, he is not a top Bundesliga player yet. He shows signs of lacking pace in the game or losing the technical battle against a defender. His physique helps him a lot to counter this. He does show that he is a really smart player with his runs and positioning. What about the skills and mentality? It’s for a coach to decide if that’s a good or a bad thing. I’d judge Boniface as a good Bundesliga player for a Leverkusen side that ends in the top 4-6 every season, but would not put him in a title winning squad just yet.

Potential ability

What is there to improve? The technical aspect is a huge win, as well as adjusting to the tempo. Lucky for him, the Bundesliga is the highest tempo league in the world. Being there with Spanish coach Xabi Alonso, who was an amazing technically gifted midfielder, this transfer was an amazing choice for Boniface’s development.

For me, it’s hard to see a player like Boniface at a top club. His “fun” mentality with the playful way he copes with some situations would get punished by a strict top tier coach like Pep or Ancelotti. He doesn’t fit the pressing system of Klopp either, he doesn’t (yet) have the capacity to do that. As often seen with big players like him, they never really get there.

Unless a new system arises where creativity will be combined with the physical contribution Boniface can have, I don’t see him succeeding at a much bigger club than Leverkusen.

He would likely be a good fit for the Premier League, so his chances of a top club are to get into a top-6 team there and take England by storm. Even in the case that Boniface does reach his highest of potential at a big club in England, I’d be very surprised if he becomes a striker to be remembered for his high level of play.