Victor Osimhen: 2 qualities of Nigerian star that could hurt Barcelona in UCL clash

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen is in contention to face Spanish champions Barcelona in Galatasaray’s UEFA Champions League clash on Tuesday.

The Nigerian forward has been out since picking up an injury during Galatasaray’s 3-2 win over Istanbul Basaksehir last month and has since missed three games for the club.

His absence has been felt, with Galatasaray managing just one win and suffering two defeats, including a heavy 4-0 loss to Trabzonspor that ended their unbeaten start to the Super Lig season.

Before the injury, Osimhen had scored six goals in four appearances. He is expected to return to action against Kasimpasa this weekend, giving him a chance to regain his fitness ahead of the Champions League meeting with Barcelona.

The clash at Rams Park will be a very tough test for Galatasaray, with Barcelona massive favourites entering the encounter. However, Osimhen’s possible return could give the Turkish side a major boost.

Victor Osimhen: How Nigerian star can hurt Barcelona

1. His ability to run in behind the defence

One of Victor Osimhen’s biggest strengths is his pace and ability to make runs behind the opposition’s defensive line.

The 27-year-old is very quick and is capable of timing his runs, and he can also attack gaps which can make life difficult for opponents.

That quality could be very important against Barcelona, who like to dominate possession and push their defensive line high up the pitch, which could leave space to exploit when possession is lost.

Osimhen has the pace to take advantage of those openings. If Galatasaray can win the ball and release him quickly, he could get behind Barcelona’s defenders before they have enough time to recover.

Barcelona will be aware of the danger, but keeping Osimhen quiet for 90 minutes could prove difficult if he gets the right service.

2. Osimhen’s physicality vs Barcelona’s young centre-backs

Victor Osimhen’s physical strength is another quality that could trouble Barcelona in the upcoming Champions League clash.

The Nigerian striker, who is the highest earning Super Eagles footballer in the world, is difficult to deal with in physical duels, due to his strength to hold the ball well and also win duels.

He is also a strong aerial threat and these qualities give Galatasaray another way to hurt Barcelona, especially when they cannot find space to play through the visitors’ midfield.

The likes of Pau Cubarsí and Gerard Martin would be tested by his ability to compete physically while remaining alert to his movement in the box. Osimhen would surely cause them problems and the Super Eagles star’s battle against whichever centre-back pairing Hansi Flick puts out will be very key.

Galatasaray face Kasimpasa on Friday, before welcoming Barcelona to the Rams Park a few days later in the Champions League.

The Turkish side will be hoping to return to winning ways after their recent struggles, and having Osimhen back would provide a timely boost.