Osimhen’s Former Manager Points Out Striker’s Weaknesses

The former Wolfsburg man is one of the hottest in-demand players in football for his scoring abilities, but he is not without his failings, says his former boss

Felice Mazzu, former Sporting Charleroi manager, is not surprised that Victor Osimhen is earning plaudits for his impressive debut season in France.

The Nigerian forward smashed in 18 goals in all competitions for Lille, with his goal-scoring abilities generating interests from some of the biggest clubs in Europe.

Mazzu was the boss at Charleroi last season when Osimhen, during his loan spell, netted 20 times for the Belgian side.

The 21-year-old has since grown into one of the most coveted Nigerian players at the moment, and Mazzu is convinced he knows the secret to Osimhen's undiluted brilliance.

In describing Osimhen's strengths, Mazzu told TuttoNapoli: “His great talent is explosiveness, he has incredible physical strength.

“He knows how to play with his head; he always makes the right choice in front of the goal; he can walk all over the field and score.

“And then he has another great quality: security. He is not afraid of anything.”

But for all his physical attributes and goal-scoring prowess, Osimhen has a few weaknesses.

Mazzu thinks the young forward used to be stubbornly selfish, but he seems to be improving with age.

“At Charleroi, he had to learn to think less of himself and more of the team. He often became stubborn with solitary actions, but having followed him to Lille, I think he has already improved.

“Often, it also depends on age. More grow and mature.”