Former Beşiktaş midfielder Sinan Engin strongly believes that Victor Osimhen could possibly be facing an uncertain time at Galatasaray, and it all comes down to one critical factor: the absence of Mauro Icardi.
He has questioned the ability of Osimhen to thrive at Galatasaray without the Argentine forward by his side, Footballrover reports.
With Icardi no longer in the picture, he feels that the Super Eagles star’s ability to succeed in the Turkish Super Lig may be more complicated than fans have imagined.
For Sinan Engin, the solution to Osimhen’s struggles at Galatasaray is clear—he needs a compatible strike partner.
Victor Osimhen’s Galatasaray partnership dilemma
In Engin’s eyes, Osimhen’s optimal form depends heavily on playing alongside Icardi.
Since the Italian club loaned him to Galatasaray, the Super Eagles forward has relied on Icardi to create a dangerous partnership that keeps opposing defenders on their toes.
However, with Icardi sidelined due to injury, Osimhen has faced significant challenges in replicating that chemistry with his new teammates.
Okan Buruk, Galatasaray’s head coach, initially favoured a two-striker system, pairing Osimhen and Icardi as his preferred duo.
But somehow, following Icardi’s injury, Buruk was forced to experiment with different lineups.
In a 3-2 win over Samsunpor, Osimhen played as the lone striker, but the strategy didn’t seem to produce the desired results.
Buruk soon returned to a two-striker formation, pairing Osimhen with Dries Mertens, but the team continued to struggle for goals.
In the subsequent match against Bodrum FK, the coach brought in Michy Batshuayi in the second half, and the Belgian striker scored the decisive goal, leading to his inclusion in the starting lineup for their UEFA Europa League clash against AZ Alkmaar.
Engin, commenting on the situation, suggested that Batshuayi does not offer the same partnership dynamic as Icardi.
According to Engin, Batshuayi and Osimhen simply don’t click in the same way, highlighting Icardi as the only forward capable of maximising Osimhen’s strengths.
“Victor Osimhen is the only one left in Galatasaray after Mauro Icardi; he can’t get along with Michy Batshuayi. Mauro Icardi was the right partner for Osimhen. Icardi knows how to play,” he explained.
“They are good chances for each other. Now, to bring the ball to Osimhen, you will either put Mertens next to Osimhen or make the midfield crowded.
“Okan Buruk’s bench is not very rich either. 2-3 players left; it is down to 15-16 players,” Sinan Engin said, as quoted by Habersarikirmizi.
Galatasaray will be preparing for their upcoming match against Eyüpspor, with all eyes on Buruk to see who he’ll pair with Osimhen this time around.
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