Turkish Journalist Explains Why Icardi Is Ahead of Osimhen After Striker’s Latest Struggles
- Turkish journalist Emre Ozcan has claimed Victor Osimhen’s finishing ability is three steps below Mauro Icardi’s
- Ozcan highlighted how the defensive profiles of back threes in football had exposed Osimhen’s struggles
- He suggested that the current period requires a thorough analysis of Osimhen’s challenges on the pitch
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Turkish journalist Emre Ozcan has sparked a debate in the Turkish football world with his recent comments comparing Galatasaray strikers Victor Osimhen and Mauro Icardi.
Osimhen has faced serious backlash from fans and pundits following his recent performances for Galatasaray after failing to score from open play in his last five appearances.
Source: Getty Images
According to Transfermarkt, Osimhen is Galatasaray’s leading goalscorer this season after netting 15 goals and creating six assists in just 19 games.
However, the 26-year-old forward has missed several big chances, including five chances against Dynamo Kyiv in the 3-3 draw in the Europa League that made supporters turn on him.
Osimhen has also been criticised largely for his positional play. The Nigerian striker gets caught offside too often in matches, which has led to six of his goals being chalked off this season.
Osimhen versus Icardi finishing analysed
Turkish football expert Ozcan says Osimhen’s finishing remains an area of concern for Galatasaray, especially when compared with fellow striker Icardi’s clinical edge in front of goal.
Icardi, who has been Galatasaray's preferred striker for many seasons, was sidelined for the rest of the season after picking up an ACL injury, leaving the Nigerian forward with the goalscoring responsibilities.
The Argentine forward, renowned for his precision and composure in front of goal, is often seen as one of the most lethal finishers in modern football.
Ozcan's analysis suggests that Osimhen, despite his raw power and athleticism, lacks the refined touch that Icardi consistently demonstrates.
"Osimhen's finishing ability is three steps below Icardi's. His lack of this, along with the profile of the back three, sometimes writes a minus. I think this period is a situation that needs to be read a little bit from this perspective." Emre Ozcan comments translated by Google.
Osimhen’s strengths, such as his speed, aerial ability, and relentless work rate, remain undeniable assets. However, Ozcan’s comments underscore the importance of adaptability and technical growth for players facing varying tactical challenges.
Dissecting Osimhen’s performance in Europa League
In another report, Legit.ng dissected Osimhen’s performance against Dynamo Kyiv in the Europa League after the Turkish side blew a two-goal lead to draw 3-3 on Tuesday night.
He followed up his penalty goal against Hatayspor at the weekend with another goal from the spot during the UEFA Europa League match against Dynamo Kyiv.
However, despite his goal, he endured criticism from the Turkish media and fans on social media, who called him out for four big chances missed and four offsides.
Turkish pundit berates Osimhen’s poor performance
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Osimhen’s poor performance against Dynamo Kyiv in the Europa League has drawn harsh criticism from the Turkish media.
Despite the Nigeria forward’s goal, the 26-year-old earned the wrath of Galatasaray fans after missing five big chances and getting caught offside four times in the game.
The Istanbul Giants blew a two-goal lead in front of their fans. Some minor defensive lapses caused Okan Buruk's men to concede two goals despite leading 3-1 in the second half.
Proofreading by James, Ojo Adakole, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.
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Source: Legit.ng
