Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti reckons African ace Victor Osimhen is destined to become an “extraordinary” star - once his mercurial striker learns to tame his rash impulses.
The Nigerian frontman blasted home a sensational wondergoal in Sunday’s win over Jose Mourinho’s Roma as the sizzling Serie A leaders sealed a new club record with their 11th straight victory. It was the 23-year-old’s first start since picking up the hamstring injury that ruled him out of last month’s Champions League showdown with Rangers at Ibrox.
But he showed he’s back to his best after shrugging over former England defender Chris Smalling to rifle home his impressive winner at the Stadio Olimpico. It was an ominous sight for Gio van Bronckhorst’s under-pressure Light Blues ahead of tomorrow night’s clash with the Azzurri at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, where the hosts where be looking for the win which all but guarantees them top spot in Group A. And Spalletti said: “Once Victor gets his emotions sorted out, he will become extraordinary.
“At times he tries to do everything himself, attacks the ball and the goal without realising where his teammates are. But he is physical, he is strong and we need him to complete the squad, also in the air.
“He is one of the best headers of the ball I have ever seen. We didn’t give him as much service last season, but he was also decisive when defending on set plays and resolving a lot of issues for us there.
“Victor can change the game in an instant. We know his characteristics and abilities. We understand what he can give the team and the great qualities he possesses. When he learns to control his impulses, he’ll be the full package.
“We are feeding it into him better than last season and he is responding with great progress and amazing goals like Sunday night.”
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