Victor Osimhen: How Aleksey Batrakov can boost striker’s goalscoring numbers

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen is a reliable goalscorer for Galatasaray, but his numbers could go up, following Aleksey Batrakov’s impressive start to life in Istanbul.

The Russian midfielder has earned praise for his direct style of play, with former Turkey international Serkan Balcı highlighting his ability to connect with the striker and make dangerous runs into the penalty area. Those qualities could help the Nigerian forward become even more productive.

Batrakov joined Galatasaray from Lokomotiv Moscow in August 2026 for €25 million, signing a five-year deal. The 21-year-old arrived in Turkey after scoring 17 goals and providing 11 assists in 36 appearances during his breakthrough 2025/26 campaign.

He has wasted little time making an impression. Batrakov scored twice in Galatasaray’s 2-0 Champions League victory over Stuttgart on November 3, becoming the youngest player in the club’s history to score twice in a single match in the competition.

The former Lokomotiv Moscow midfielder also played a key role in Galatasaray’s 4-3 win over Gift Orban’s Amedspor last week in Victor Osimhen’s absence, scoring a goal.

His performances have attracted the attention of Balcı, who believes Galatasaray have found an exceptional player. The former Fenerbahçe and Trabzonspor midfielder praised the Russian’s willingness to play forward rather than settle for sideways passes.

That assessment is encouraging for Osimhen, whose movement and ability to attack spaces make him dangerous when supplied with incisive passes, as he loves to always play on the front foot.

How Aleksey Batrakov can boost Victor Osimhen’s numbers

1. Batrakov’s direct passing could create more chances for Osimhen

Balcı’s most revealing observation concerned Batrakov’s approach to attacking play.

“Batrakov is an incredible player. He is not someone who plays sideways passes. He plays vertically and directly, connecting with the striker or making runs in behind. He is always involved in those positions,” he said in quotes revealed by Habersarikirmizi.

The description highlights a quality that could complement Osimhen’s game.

The Nigerian thrives on receiving passes into space, attacking defensive gaps and using his pace and physical presence to get beyond opponents. A midfielder who looks to play forward quickly could help him receive the ball in more threatening areas, rather than having to drop deeper to become involved in the build-up.

Batrakov’s willingness to make runs beyond the striker could also create confusion for opposing defenders. If centre-backs concentrate on tracking Osimhen, the Russian can exploit the spaces around the penalty area. Conversely, attention on Batrakov could leave the Nigerian with more room to attack.

The midfielder has already demonstrated his ability to contribute directly, recording two goals and three assists in his first nine Süper Lig appearances.

2. The partnership could help Galatasaray maximise Osimhen’s strengths

Osimhen has continued to deliver goals since joining Galatasaray, but keeping him fit and consistently available remains an important consideration.

Balcı identified the Nigerian’s physical demands as a concern, explaining that his biggest problem is missing key matches during the season because he plays at such a high physical intensity.

The former Turkey international’s observation underlines why Galatasaray need to make the most of Osimhen whenever he is available.

Batrakov could help by giving the striker a more consistent supply of opportunities. Rather than relying exclusively on crosses or individual moments of brilliance, Galatasaray would have another player capable of finding Osimhen through central areas and creating combinations around the box.

The Russian’s creativity could also reduce the burden on the Nigerian to manufacture chances for himself, allowing him to concentrate on what he does best.

Batrakov is still developing, and the two players must build their understanding on the pitch. However, his early performances and the qualities Balcı has highlighted suggest that Galatasaray may have found a midfielder capable of bringing another dimension to their attack.

It appears the relationship between the duo is blossoming, despite still being in its budding stage, as the Russian midfielder admires Victor Osimhen’s passion.

“I can’t say that footballers come to the Turkish League to spend the final stages of their careers,” Batrakov said.

“Maybe Salah did that, but Osimhen definitely didn’t. He fights until the very end on the pitch.

“He’s top level in every way, he’s an amazing person.”

Osimhen'den Batrakov'a: Bu benim altın çocuğum! pic.twitter.com/oD2NMVsobg

— Forza Cimbom (@forzacimbom) November 5, 2026

For Osimhen, that could mean more than simply having another talented teammate. It could provide the service and attacking connection needed to take his goalscoring game to another level.