Galatasaray assistant coach Ismael Gomez has thrown down the gauntlet to Victor Osimhen, challenging the Nigerian forward to rise to an even higher level.
The Super Eagles star joined the Istanbul giants on loan from Napoli in September and has quickly made an impression with his performances.
Osimhen's arrival was initially seen as a boost to complement Argentina international Mauro Icardi, but the Argentine striker's serious knee injury shifted the spotlight entirely onto the Nigerian.
The 25-year-old has embraced the challenge, netting eight goals in just nine appearances across all competitions.
“Osimhen must lead like Icardi,” says Galatasaray coach
From leading the line with confidence to scoring crucial goals, Osimhen has wasted no time becoming a key player for the Turkish Super Lig champions.
However, Gomez still believes there is room for growth, particularly in his ability to dominate games as Icardi once did.
Gomez lauded Osimhen for his athleticism and rare skill set, citing his speed, coordination, and ability to unsettle defences.
But then, the coach expects the forward to elevate his game by commanding every match and asserting his dominance in the Turkish league.
“Last season, Icardi dominated the league not only with the number of goals he scored but also with the assists. This is what we want from Osimhen—to dominate the matches and the league like Icardi,” he told Marca.
“He attracts the attention of the entire opponent’s defence line. He can create positions on his own. It is really difficult to see a football player with his athletic capacity in the world. It is not easy to find a player who combines his height, speed, and coordination level.”
The Super Eagles forward has already delivered back-to-back braces, including a standout performance against Tottenham in the Europa League just before the international break.
