UEL: Nathan Tella shines as Boniface watches Hlozek-inspired Bayer Leverkusen stay perfect

Newly capped Super Eagles forward Nathan Tella was the only Nigerian on the pitch as Bayer Leverkusen made it six wins in six matches in the UEFA Europa League, UEL.

Tella’s stellar display alongside an excellent second-half Adam Hlozek show as Victor Boniface watched his team thrash Molde 5-1 on Thursday night in the BayArena.

The 24-year-old was handed another start in the competition by his manager, Xabi Alonso, with compatriot, Boniface, who has netted four goals in five matches, rested. 

Tella rewarded his manager with a brilliant outing after he featured for 90 minutes. He completed 89% of his passes, created five chances, made five key passes and played a role in the build-up to the fifth goal for Leverkusen.

The former Burnley man also attempted two shots, one of which made the Molde goalkeeper work.

Despite being the club’s leading scorer in the UEL, Boniface was made to watch the dead rubber as an unused substitute. 

The 22-year-old was not needed in the end as his Die Werkself teammates made light work of their visitors in the six-goal thriller. 

With the Nigerian international watching, Leverkusen’s Alonso had the chance to look at his impressive depth with Patrik Schick and Hlozek impressing on the night.

Meanwhile, while goals from Schick, Edmond Tapsoba and an own goal had Bayer leading 3-0, the night belonged to 21-year-old Hlozek.

Hlozek helped himself with a fantastic brace, though his second goal took a deflection from Noah Mbamba.