Former Arsenal midfielder Stewart Robson has entered the debate surrounding Europe’s top strikers by rating Liverpool’s Alexander Isak just ahead of Victor Osimhen, despite the Nigerian’s match-winning performance for Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League.
Osimhen, who joined the Turkish giants from Napoli in the summer, scored the decisive penalty in Galatasaray’s 1-0 win over Premier League heavyweights Liverpool in Istanbul, further solidifying his reputation as one of the continent’s elite forwards.
Speaking on ESPN FC after the game, Robson heaped praise on the Super Eagles star:
“There are lots of big clubs that should have taken him but didn’t take the chance,” Robson said.
“What he showed tonight was a great awareness of where the space was. He kept pulling out down the side of Van Dijk… He was good with his back to goal and a constant threat.”
He continued:
“Yes, he scored a penalty, but he’s a top-class player. He’s got energy, he’s got pace, he’s got strength as well, and he’s not bad in the air.”
However, when asked to compare Osimhen directly with Alexander Isak, Robson gave a slight edge to the Swedish international:
“If you look between Isak and him, I still would say Isak is slightly better — but he won’t be far off.”
Both strikers have drawn transfer interest from top clubs across Europe, including Liverpool, who were linked with Osimhen before ultimately prioritising Isak during the recent summer window.
Osimhen has started strong at Galatasaray, netting three goals in five games, continuing his excellent form from Napoli, where he won the Serie A Golden Boot.
Robson’s take is sure to stir debate, especially among Nigerian fans who continue to back Osimhen as one of Africa’s — and Europe’s — finest talents. While Isak is thriving in Liverpool red, Osimhen’s stock is rising rapidly in Turkey — and Europe’s elite may come calling again soon.
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