Xabi Alonso discusses “important” minutes as Francis Onyeka becomes Bayer Leverkusen’s eighth youngest professional
Francis Onyeka (17) made his Bayer Leverkusen debut in their 3-0 win against SV Elversberg on Tuesday, becoming the eighth youngest player in the club’s history. After a nervous first touch, the German youth international, who is also eligible to represent Nigeria, settled quickly and showed promise in the three minutes that he featured.
Speaking after Bayer Leverkusen’s win, head coach Xabi Alonso praised the youngster.
“Francis has earned this chance,” said Alonso. “We can see that he has developed a lot in the U19s. It’s nice for him to have this feeling now. He will remember it. It was only a few minutes, but they were important for him.”
Onyeka was in the Bayer Leverkusen squad for the games against Carl Zeiss Jena (DFB Pokal) and Stade Brestois 29 (Champions League) but was an unused substitute.
Alonso further added that playing alongside Alejandro Grimaldo, Florian Wirtz and Victor Boniface on his debut, “is easier” for Onyeka as it’s the ideal environment for the youngster.
