Bayer Leverkusen forward Patrick Schick has candidly discussed his rivalry with teammate and Super Eagles forward, Victor Boniface, as both players battle for a starting spot in the team.
Schick joined Bayer Leverkusen in 2020 and swiftly established himself as the club's primary forward. However, following a prolonged injury in 2022, Leverkusen secured the signing of Boniface from Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, who was brought in as his replacement.
The 24-year-old has since made the position his and played a vital role in Leverkusen's historic season last term, scoring/assisting 31 goals in 34 games as Die Werkself went about sweeping the DFB-Pokal and a maiden Bundesliga title.
Schick shared his thoughts on the competitive dynamic between them, acknowledging Boniface's impressive skills while focusing on his own approach to earning playing time.
Schick opens up on Boniface rivalry
In an exclusive interview with journalist Oma Akatugba after Leverkusen's impressive 3-1 win over Hoffenheim on Sunday, the Czech international shed light on his competitive relationship with fellow striker, Boniface.
“We are pushing each other. Obviously, it is impossible to play all the games with just one striker,” Schick said.
“Nonetheless, I’m just focused on myself. It’s always on the coach to decide, but Boniface is a very, very good player, and he’s happy to help our team.”
Boniface began the season as Leverkusen's focal point in attack but was sidelined by an injury in late November. This injury provided Schick with an opportunity to step into the starting role as the primary striker.
He made his long-awaited return to action on Sunday, marking his comeback with a goal in Leverkusen's victory over Hoffenheim. Despite his goal, he was substituted at halftime in favour of Schick, who went on to seal the win with a third goal.
