Victor Osimhen joined Galatasaray on loan during the summer transfer window, following a tumultuous period at Napoli where failed transfer negotiations kept him in limbo.
In Turkey, however, the 25-year-old striker has found a new lease on life, delivering world-class performances that have placed his team at the top of the Turkish Super Lig table.
His statistics this season are nothing short of phenomenal: 22 goals and six assists in just 28 appearances.
These numbers underline his status as one of Europe’s most lethal strikers. More importantly, Osimhen’s goals have been crucial in ensuring that Galatasaray remains competitive in the title race.
On multiple occasions, his strikes have rescued the team from defeat, including his brace in the 3-3 draw against Kasimpasa. Without his contributions, Galatasaray might be struggling to keep pace with arch-rivals Fenerbahce, who remain just four points behind.
A Lone Warrior in the Galatasaray Squad
Despite Osimhen’s heroics, there is a growing frustration among fans and analysts regarding the overall performance of the team. Emre Bol’s recent critique on Ekol Sports’ YouTube channel was scathing, as he accused Galatasaray’s other players of lacking the same fight, passion, and work ethic displayed by the Nigerian forward.
“For weeks, Victor Osimhen has been carrying Galatasaray,” Bol stated. “The others are not showing any effect. Other players do not show half the fight of Osimhen, who is on loan. There is no running, no fighting, no intensity.”
This criticism is not unfounded. While Osimhen has maintained an elite level of play, many of his teammates have underperformed, failing to match his intensity and commitment.
Galatasaray’s over-reliance on Osimhen is becoming increasingly evident, raising concerns about whether the team has the collective strength to secure the league title.
Tactical Challenges and Coach Buruk’s Dilemma
Galatasaray’s head coach, Okan Buruk, now faces the critical challenge of motivating his squad and finding tactical solutions to prevent the over-dependence on Osimhen. While the Nigerian forward thrives as a focal point of attack, he cannot single-handedly win the league for the club.
If Galatasaray continues to rely too heavily on his brilliance, they risk burning him out or becoming predictable to their opponents.
The team must improve in key areas, including midfield creativity, defensive solidity, and overall team coordination.
Players such as Mauro Icardi, Dries Mertens, and Wilfried Zaha must step up their performances to ease the burden on Osimhen and provide additional attacking threats.
Comparisons with Napoli and the Need for Support
Osimhen’s current situation at Galatasaray bears some resemblance to his time at Napoli, where he was also the main driving force behind their Serie A title-winning campaign.
However, at Napoli, he had a strong supporting cast, including Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Piotr Zielinski, who provided crucial assistance in attack.
At Galatasaray, the lack of similar support is a major concern. If the club is to sustain its title charge and compete effectively in Europe, they must create a more balanced team structure that does not rely solely on one player’s heroics.
What Lies Ahead for Osimhen and Galatasaray?
With the league season approaching its climax, Galatasaray must find a way to reduce their dependency on Osimhen and distribute the workload across the squad.
The Nigerian striker has already proven his worth, but football is a team sport, and long-term success requires collective effort.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Galatasaray may also have to consider whether they can retain Osimhen beyond his loan spell.
Given his performances, top European clubs may come calling, making it difficult for the Turkish giants to keep hold of their talisman.
For now, Osimhen remains the heartbeat of Galatasaray’s attack, a warrior fighting almost alone in the battle for the league title.
The question remains: will his teammates rise to the occasion, or will his heroic efforts go unrewarded?
