Okan Buruk Applauds Victor Osimhen's Dual Assists in Galatasaray's Commanding Win
Galatasaray's head coach, Okan Buruk, has expressed his admiration for Victor Osimhen's performance following a resounding 5-1 league triumph over Eyupspor. The Super Eagles striker, while not finding the net himself, showcased his playmaking abilities by providing two crucial assists, contributing significantly to his team's dominant display.
Osimhen Shines as Playmaker in Galatasaray's Offensive Onslaught
In a match where Galatasaray overwhelmed their Istanbul rivals, captain Mauro Icardi led the charge with a hat-trick, supported by a goal from Yunus Akgun and an own goal from the opposition. Osimhen played a pivotal role, delivering a precise cross to Akgun for the opening goal within the first minute and adding another assist later. This effort elevated his season assist tally to three, underscoring his value as a versatile attacker who can create opportunities even on days when scoring eludes him.
Buruk emphasized the importance of Osimhen's contributions in post-match comments, stating to TRT Spor, "It was an important night for some of my players. Especially the goals scored by Icardi. Icardi and Osimhen played together. Osimhen's two assists were important." He further explained the tactical decision to deploy Osimhen alongside Icardi in a two-striker formation, a strategy tested previously against Kocaelispor. Buruk noted, "We played with two strikers. We used it in the Kocaelispor match, and people thought Osimhen and Icardi couldn't play together. We tried it and got positive results." This approach was tailored to exploit the opponent's formation, focusing on high-pressure pressing to generate scoring chances.
Turkish Commentator Predicts Osimhen's Rise at Galatasaray
Turkish football commentator Nihat Kahveci was equally impressed with Osimhen's display, praising his multifaceted skills. He told Forza Cimbom, "Osimhen didn't score a goal, but today he showed a different side of himself once again. There were aspects of him that we couldn't stop praising, and with his assists, he showed another dimension of himself." Kahveci went on to predict that Osimhen could surpass Icardi as Galatasaray's top foreign scorer, highlighting his unique talent and potential impact on the team.
Looking ahead, Galatasaray is set to face Juventus in the UEFA Champions League knockout playoff, with the first leg in Istanbul and the return in Turin. Meanwhile, transfer speculation continues, as reports indicate Atletico Madrid's interest in Osimhen to partner with compatriot Ademola Lookman, following his impressive start in Turkish football. This interest from Spanish clubs, including Barcelona, underscores Osimhen's growing reputation in European football.
In summary, Victor Osimhen's performance against Eyupspor not only earned praise from coach Okan Buruk but also demonstrated his adaptability and importance to Galatasaray's success, setting the stage for future challenges and potential career moves.
