Osimhen belongs to class of elite superstars, says Laurent Blanc

Napoli’s Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen reacts during the UEFA Champions League first round group C football match between Real Madrid CF and SSC Naples at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on November 29, 2023. (Photo by AFP)

World Cup winner and former France international, Laurent Blanc, believes Nigeria and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen belongs to the category of elite superstars.

Osimhen returned to scoring form for Napoli as he netted in back-to-back games for the Serie A champions.

The CAF Player of the Year scored one of Napoli’s goals in the 2-0 win against Braga in the Champions League.

This past weekend, he scored again this time against Cagliari in the league, and provided a world-class assist as Napoli won 2-1.

Speaking on the impact of Osimhen for Napoli Blanc, however, stated that there is still room for improvement for the Nigerian.

“Osimhen belongs to the category of superstars. He is phenomenal, young, and with ample room for improvement,” Blanc, also a former Napoli player, told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Blanc played for both Napoli and Barcelona during his illustrious football career.

The two sides will meet in the Champions League Round of 16 in February and March.

The first leg is at the Stadio Maradona on February 21, 2024, while the decider will be played in Barcelona on March 12, 2024.

Looking ahead to the game, the 58-year-old said Osimhen and Robert Lewandowski will be an amazing battle to watch.

“He (Osimhen) can become one of the best strikers. Lewandowski is closer to the end of his playing career and it will be an amazing duel, without forgetting other stars such as Kvaratskhelia, another top player.”

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