Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen has declared that he belongs among the finest centre-forwards in world football ahead of Galatasaray’s Champions League clash with Juventus.
Speaking of Italian sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport ahead of Galatasaray’s UEFA Champions League play-off first leg against Juventus, Osimhen did not shy away from the conversation surrounding the game’s elite strikers.
“I don’t like making comparisons, but I know I am among the best center-forwards around [in the world],” he said.
“If I’m not number one, I am number two. Or, at worst, number three.”
It is a bold claim in an era that includes the prolific Erling Haaland at Manchester City, Kylian Mbappe at Real Madrid, Robert Lewandowski of Barcelona and Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane. Yet Osimhen’s numbers and influence in recent seasons offer substance to his confidence.
Since swapping Napoli for Galatasaray, the 27-year-old has quickly become the focal point of the Turkish champions’ attack. He played a central role in delivering the Super Lig title last term and has carried that form into Europe.
Galatasaray host Juventus at RAMs Park at 9 p.m. later tonight, February 17, knowing a place in the Champions League Round of 16 is within reach. The tie carries extra meaning for Osimhen. He knows the Italian giants well from his time in Serie A and is also set to renew acquaintances with Luciano Spalletti.
“We know we can’t afford to be distracted because every mistake against them can be very costly. And I will be facing Spalletti again,” Osimhen told Gazetta dello Sport.
His record in this season’s Champions League suggests he is ready for the challenge. He currently has six goals in six appearances for Galatasaray in the competition.
