Nigeria Players Abroad
“Behind Mauro Icardi” – Ümit Karan rates Victor Osimhen’s finishing strength
By Monsurah Olatunji
Former Galatasaray star Ümit Karan has suggested that Mauro Icardi is a better finisher than Victor Osimhen, despite the Nigerian striker’s impressive season so far.
Currently on a season-long loan at Galatasaray, Osimhen netted his 14th goal of the season in their 1-1 draw against Hatayspor on Friday night.
While the Super Eagles star continues to show his goal-scoring prowess, Karan pointed out areas where the 25-year-old could improve, particularly in his finishing.
Osimhen, who had six shots during the match against Hatayspor, managed to get only two on target.
Despite his technical ability and athleticism, he struggled to break through the opposition’s defensive line and was often caught by the offside trap.
Karan, who enjoyed a successful career as a striker, noted that Osimhen’s finishing was not on par with Icardi’s, a player who scored 25 goals to help Galatasaray secure the Super Lig title last season.
Icardi had also started the current campaign brightly, with four goals in his first seven matches, before suffering an ACL injury.
Speaking on the SkySpor YouTube channel, Karan was clear in his assessment.
“Victor Osimhen is an athletic and technical footballer, but he showed that he is behind Icardi in terms of finishing; he missed many clear goals. He could not get out of the offside trap,” Karan said, as reported by Habersarikirmizi.
While Osimhen’s overall talent is widely recognized, Karan’s comments highlight the fine margins that separate elite forwards, with finishing being one area where the Nigerian striker has room to grow.
