‘With his athletic strength he can be devastating’- Chelsea Legend tips Osimhen to reach Lukaku’s heights

Osimhen arrived at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium last summer, and he has made quite an impression on a Chelsea legend.

Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola has likened Super Eagles and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen to Chelsea star Romelu Lukaku.

Zola, who was a brilliant striker for Chelsea in the late 90s and early 2000, believes that the former U-17 star could reach Lukaku’s tall heights.

Lukaku is known for his outstanding goal-scoring ability and he is also gifted with great power which he successfully uses to wreak havoc in defences.

Lukaku’s ability to take on defenders confidently and perform outstanding hold-up plays are also key ingredients in his game.

The same could be said of Napoli star Osimhen. The former U-17 highest goalscorer showed glimpses of his ability whilst at Lille, and that was what prompted the Parthenopeans to pay top dollar to secure his signature.

Although his first season was derailed by a shoulder injury and coronavirus, Osimhen still managed to score ten goals in 24 league games.

He has continued in the same vein this season, although he got off to a disappointing start with a red card in the opening league game of the season against Venezia.

Zola believes the Nigerian has enough talent at his disposal to become a world-beater like Chelsea’s Lukaku.

“When he arrived in Italy two years ago, I didn’t know him well and I researched him,” Zola told Gazzetta Dello Sport as per Sempreinter

“I discovered a  player very good in his movement. With his athletic strength, he can be devastating. He is Lukaku’s heir. He is young and has enormous room for improvement.”

Osimhen has scored three goals for Napoli this season, and will hope to add to his tally when the Neapolitans take on Sampdoria on Thursday.