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Former Turkey striker Umit Karan has praised Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen for his performance in Galatasaray’s 1-0 win over Bodrumspor on Monday.
Osimhen led the line for Galatasaray when they travelled to Bodrum Ilce Stadi for their Super Lig fixture against Bodrumspor.
Recall that Osimhen’s striker partner Mauro Icardi sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury just before the international break. Hence, coach Orkan Buruk started Osimhen as the top striker, while Dries Mertens played just behind him.
In the second half, Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi was introduced into the game, following Metehan Baltaci’s injury. Eventually, it was the former Chelsea man that gave Galatasaray the victory.
Following the result, former Galatasaray man Umit Karan, who spent over seven years at the club, was quite critical of their performance. He stated that most Galatasaray players had a lackadaisical approach to the game, but Osimhen was the only one who looked up to the task.
“Osimhen showed his character again. He directed Batshuayi immediately after the goal. He has adapted to the team so much,” Karan said.
“Against Bodrumspor, Osimhen did not just play as a centre forward. He was the leader of this team.
“I want to congratulate Osimhen wholeheartedly. He was perhaps the best player in the league anyway, but in this match, he showed us the existence of that heart.
“He gave the message ‘I will manage this team’. He suddenly caught this sense of belonging”
With Icardi out till next season, Galatasaray’s goalscoring burden will be on Osimhen. But it is not a new thing for him, as he carried Napoli to the Serie A title two seasons ago.
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