Patrik Schick has established himself as a joker (super-sub) at Bayer Leverkusen since the arrival of Victor Boniface but with the Nigerian sidelined for the remainder of 2024, Schick has an excellent opportunity to prove himself to Xabi Alonso.
The Czech forward started just his third Bundesliga game of the season as Bayer hit Heidenheim for five on Saturday afternoon, but only after they found themselves 2-0 down. A calamitous defensive performance, Die Werkself did respond well and they have Schick to thank.
Patrik Schick now has 3+ goals in three Bundesliga games for Bayer Leverkusen
Schick would score the equaliser for Leverkusen, a superb one-touch and then chip over Kevin Muller in the 32nd minute before giving Bayer the lead in the 52nd minute, getting across his marker and on the end of Florian Wirtz’ cross.
He then added a fourth for Leverkusen, completing his hat-trick in the 71st minute and putting the result beyond doubt. Starting the move off just inside Heidenheim’s half, Schick finished it off with an unmarked header at the back post after Arthur found the 28-year-old.
Schick’s hat-trick against Heidenheim takes his tally to four goals and one assist in nine Bundesliga games this season, but what’s more impressive is that he’s only played 307 minutes, averaging a goal contribution every 61.4 minutes.
In Boniface’s absence, Schick will find himself, providing he stays injury-free, starting against Union Berlin, St. Pauli and Augsburg in Leverkusen’s next three Bundesliga games.
