Watford legend Troy Deeney has placed Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen among the elite strikers in global football, following the Nigerian’s performance in the Champions League. Deeney’s assessment came after Osimhen scored in Galatasaray’s 3-2 defeat to Juventus in the Round of 16 playoff second leg on Wednesday.
The result saw the Turkish Süper Lig champions progress to the Champions League Round of 16 with a 7-2 aggregate victory, having won the first leg 5-2 in Istanbul. Osimhen found the net in both legs, underscoring his impact in the tie.
Speaking to CBS Sports Golazo, Deeney praised the 25-year-old’s physical attributes and overall quality. “If you talk about him [Osimhen] just as a footballer, he’s top five strikers in world football,” Deeney stated. “Every league would want him. He’s physical, he’s strong.”
Osimhen’s move from Napoli to Galatasaray last summer has attracted significant attention. His goal-scoring record and commanding presence have made him a focal point for the Turkish side’s European campaign. Deeney’s remarks highlight the striker’s reputation for combining power with technical ability, traits that make him a sought-after player across Europe’s top divisions.
The comments from the former Watford captain add to the growing acknowledgment of Osimhen’s status as a leading forward. His performances in the Champions League playoffs have reinforced his value ahead of the upcoming knockout stages, where Galatasaray will aim to advance further in the competition.
