Troy Deeney compares Victor Osimhen to Didier Drogba after praising Galatasaray striker’s work rate

Former Watford striker Troy Deeney says Victor Osimhen’s ability to occupy an entire defence reminds him of Chelsea great Didier Drogba.

Osimhen had scored nine domestic goals before Galatasaray hosted Stuttgart in the Champions League at Rams Park. Although he did not add to his Champions League tally, Galatasaray won 2-0 on Tuesday evening, with Aleksey Batrakov scoring twice in the first half.

Deeney believes the Nigeria international’s influence extends well beyond his goalscoring. He highlighted the striker’s physical strength, explosive movement and willingness to press as qualities that make life difficult for opposing defenders.

Asked by CBS Sports Golazo what he most admired about Osimhen’s game, Deeney said: “People will look at the goals. I look at his work rate. The ability to work that whole backline on his own.

“He plays one upfront, very similar to Didier Drogba in the fact that he occupies the whole backline, but what he also gives is that he runs in behind.

“He gives you that threat to show, link-up play is really strong, also willing to run the channels on his own.”

Deeney’s comments came before Galatasaray’s meeting with Stuttgart, in which Osimhen was unable to add to his Champions League goals total. The result was secured by Batrakov’s two first-half goals.

The former African Footballer of the Year has previously said that Drogba was one of the biggest inspirations of his childhood. Deeney considers the comparison relevant not only because of Osimhen’s finishing, but also because of the range of duties he performs as a lone forward.

Osimhen’s ability to stretch defences by running in behind, link play and attack the channels has added to the threat created by his strength and constant movement. For Deeney, it is the striker’s relentless work rate and capacity to occupy a backline alone that stand out most.