Former Shay Given has criticised Victor Boniface’s performance in Bayer Leverkusen’s 4-0 defeat to Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League.
Softfootball understands that Given questioned manager Xabi Alonso’s tactical decision to deploy the Super Eagles striker on the left wing during Tuesday’s clash at Anfield.
Speaking while on punditry duties for Premier Sports Ireland, the former goalkeeper recalled Leverkusen’s disappointing display in last season’s UEFA Europa League final against Atalanta and suggested the German champions once again lacked cutting edge in attack.
Given acknowledged that Leverkusen were able to play through Liverpool’s press and progress the ball from the back, but insisted Boniface was often positioned too wide to have the desired impact.
He argued that the Nigerian forward is more effective operating as a central target man, where his physical presence and hold-up play can provide a focal point for the team’s attack.
According to the former Manchester City and Stoke City goalkeeper, Leverkusen needed to inject more attacking threat through Boniface in central areas rather than asking him to drift out to the left flank, where he was unable to influence the game consistently.
