In what has become a hot topic among football enthusiasts worldwide, Mario Balotelli, the enigmatic Italian striker, has weighed in on the debate about the strongest striker in the world, Soccernet.ng reports.
Balotelli, known for his controversial antics both on and off the pitch, shared his thoughts on Napoli's Victor Osimhen and Manchester City's Erling Haaland during an interview with renowned sports publication La Gazzetta dello Sport (via TN).
Balotelli acknowledged the impressive numbers posted by Erling Haaland.
The Norwegian prodigy has been in scintillating form, scoring a remarkable 36 goals in just 35 Premier League appearances.
Haaland's recent exploits include a jaw-dropping tally of 12 goals in ten matches, propelling City to the final of the UEFA Champions League.
However, Balotelli believes that the title of the world's best striker goes beyond mere statistics.
The former Inter Mikan man expressed his admiration for Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian sensation who is the most valuable player in Serie A.
Osimhen's recent performance saw him bagging a crucial brace over the weekend, leading Napoli to a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Bologna.
With those goals, Osimhen's tally for the season stands at an impressive 25 goals in the Serie A and 30 across all competitions.
Balotelli praised Osimhen's versatility and described him as a truly unique talent.
Drawing parallels to his own playing style during his younger days, Balotelli stated that Osimhen has the ability to excel in all aspects of the game. Moreover, he commended the Nigerian striker's character, labelling him a “unique boy.”
When asked who was the strongest striker in the world, Balotelli responded, “The numbers say Haaland, but for me, it's a matter of taste.
“Osimhen, for example, is special. He can do everything on the pitch, a bit like me in the green years. And then he's a unique boy.”
Osimhen, who received one of Nigeria's highest honours at the weekend, is on the verge of becoming the first African to win the Italian Serie A topscorer award.
A few weeks ago, the Super Eagles striker overtook AC Milan legend George Weah as the most prolific African player in Serie A history.
