Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen is set to play later this evening as his SSC Napoli side hosts Spanish giants Barcelona at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium for a UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first-leg fixture.
Osimhen has yet to feature for the Naples club since returning from international duty with Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, where he helped Nigeria to a second-place finish, scoring one goal in the process.
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández has lauded Victor Osimhen as one of the standout performers within the Napoli squad ahead of their upcoming encounter.
Xavi wary of Victor Osimhen and Kvaratskhelia
Recognising the talent and prowess of the Napoli squad, Xavi singled out Victor Osimhen and Kvaratskhelia as players of exceptional quality.
“Osimhen and Kvaratskhelia are top-level players,” Xavi remarked, highlighting the threat posed by these individuals.
In emphasising the tactical approach for the upcoming match, Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez stressed the paramount importance of solid defensive performance.
“It is crucial for us to defend well tomorrow. It's difficult to stop Kvaratskhelia, Osimhen, and Politano,” he said.
The 25-year-old has contributed to two goals for Napoli in the Champions League, scoring once whilst providing an assist.
Victor Osimhen to prove his worth against boyhood club?
Reflecting on his childhood influences and footballing idols, Victor Osimhen shared a glimpse into his early passion for the sport.
In a candid interview last year as quoted by sport.es, Osimhen reminisced about his formative years, revealing that his admiration for Barcelona traces back to his youth.
“When I was young, my favorite team was Barça because of Samuel Eto'o. And it is still my favorite team,” Osimhen expressed, shedding light on the profound impact of Eto'o's career on his footballing journey.
As Osimhen prepares to face Barcelona in an upcoming fixture, his enduring affinity for the club adds an extra layer of significance to the encounter.
Peseiro believes Osimhen and Barcelona will make for an exciting match-up
Europe's top football clubs are vying for Victor Osimhen's signature, with Chelsea, Arsenal, and Newcastle emerging as frontrunners amid their financial strength.
Nonetheless, Paris Saint-Germain are also in contention, viewing Osimhen as a prospective heir to Kylian Mbappe. Jose Peseiro, who has had a close working relationship with Osimhen within the Nigerian national team, believes that the striker's potential knows no bounds.
Addressing doubts about Osimhen's suitability for Barcelona, Peseiro draws parallels to Erling Haaland's seamless adaptation to Manchester City's style of play.
The Portuguese coach contends that Osimhen's distinct combination of skills, including his pressing game, aerial strength, and clinical finishing, could bring Barcelona a valuable addition and enhance their tactical options.
“I think he can play for any team in the world.” Peseiro highlighted Osimhen's strengths, describing him as “an animal when it comes to pressing, very good with his head, in the area, and with his eye.”
He compared Osimhen's style to that of other players, noting that while he may not associate like typical Barcelona players, his attributes make him a valuable asset.
The Portuguese manager drew parallels to Erling Haaland's success at Manchester City, suggesting that Osimhen could thrive similarly. He emphasised Osimhen's unique qualities, such as his vertical movements, aerial ability, and pressure, asserting that they set him apart and make him capable of playing for the best teams in the world.
