Victor Osimhen: Napoli boss Gattuso showers encomium on Nigerian star after impactful debut
- Victor Osimhen was impactful on his debut for Napoli against Parma
- The 21-year-old only played 29 minutes in the game but was instrumental to their two goals
- Gennaro Gattuso, Dries Mertens, and Insigne recognised his contributions and showered praises on him
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Nigerian star Victor Osimhen made his debut for Napoli after making a huge money switch from Lille to the Serie A side.
Although he failed to find the back of the net, his introduction into the game in the 61st minute change the direction of the game for The Parthenopeans.
It took Gennaro Gattuso's men just two minutes after the 21-year-old came on for Diego Demme before finding the back of the net.
Dries Mertens fired the Blues ahead for the first time in the game in the 63rd minute, while Lorenzo Insigne's 77th minute effort sealed the victory for the visitors.
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Napoli boss, Gattuso, was however delighted with Osimhen's display in the 29 minutes of the game time he got on his debut for his new club.
Source: Getty Images
He said:
"In the second half, we were better at aggression.
“Osimhen’s entry was important, but I have no doubts about the boy. He is a quality striker and he is also a boy of great humility. He is loved by everyone and for me, this component is very important.”
One of the goals scorers, Dries Mertens, also recognised the contributions of the Super Eagles attacker, saying his impact was felt after he was introduced into the game. Mertens said on the club website:
“We wanted to win and start well.
"I am happy for the goal. I must say that it is not easy to be brilliant playing at midday considering the weather and the heat.
"Despite this, however, in the second half, we gave our best. Osimhen's entry helped us, but I must say that in this group there are many players who can also be decisive when entering.
"We are happy with the performance but also with the attitude on the pitch. This is the right mentality to face the season."
Insigne was making his 350th appearance and asserted Osimhen’s performance reminded him of Napoli legend Edinson Cavani. He said:
"We grew with conviction in the second half, Osimhen's entry also helped us and we found the way to goal in a few minutes.
"Victor is an attacker who has great speed, has complementary and different characteristics compared to me and Dries and can represent a different solution for the attack. In some places, he reminds me of Cavani, for his ability to attack the goal and physical strength.”
Legit.ng earlier reported that Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has stated emphatically that he is looking forward to the day his club will be facing Cristiano Ronaldo and his Juventus teammates.
Victor Osimhen made a big move to Napoli from Lille in June this year and the Nigerian has been shining in pre-season games for the Italian side.
His impressive performances for Lille made Napoli chiefs pay massive cash for his signature ahead of the coming League season in Italy.
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Source: Legit.ng
