Nigeria Players Abroad
Antonio Rudiger reveals difficulty in marking Victor Osimhen
By Monsurah Olatunji
Antonio Rudiger has revealed that it is always difficult to defend against the reigning African Best Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen.
The 30-year-old tough-tackling defender was asked to name strikers who are difficult for him to defend against, and two names popped out of his mouth.
The Real Madrid man has faced both players on several occasions and however revealed that he lives for top moments and opportunities to defend against such top strikers.
According to him, it is difficult to defend against tall players like Osimhen and Erling Haaland.
“Defending against tough opponents? It is what I live for,” the 30-year-old said.
“Those are the moments I love – when all odds are against you when everyone talks against you.
“This is how it was with Haaland. I live for those moments.
“It is tough to defend against tall players like Erling Haaland or Victor Osimhen, but I prefer to play against players of this height – rather than players like Lionel Messi for example.”
Victor Osimhen was named CAF Men’s Player of the Year for 2023 after helping Napoli to its first Scudetto in 33 years.
The 24-year-old finished the 2022/23 season as the top scorer in Serie A with 26 goals, becoming the first-ever African Capocannonierea (Golden Boot).
He also scored another six goals in the UEFA Champions League last season as Napoli reached its first quarter-finals.
Continue Reading
