“He is a driving force”- Former Lazio midfielder hails Napoli starboy Osimhen

Osimhen has been superb for Napoli in the last two years, and he has gotten praise for his displays

Former Lazio midfielder Dario Marcolin has praised Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen for his phenomenal performances for Napoli, Soccernet reports.

Osimhen joined Napoli three years ago from Lille for a club-record €72million. After a slow start to life in Naples, the 24-year-old hitman picked up in his second season.

He scored 18 goals in 32 appearances across all competitions for the Partenopeans two seasons ago.

However, Osimhen came into his own last season, banging in goals aplenty under the tutelage of coach Luciano Spalletti.

His brilliance helped Napoli to their first Scudetto in over 33 years and their first-ever quarterfinal finish in the UEFA Champions League.

He scored 31 goals in 39 games for the Partenopeans last season, and that attracted interest from top European clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea, PSG, and Real Madrid.

However, Napoli have managed to hold him down as both parties are negotiating a contract extension.

Marcolin has hailed Napoli for keeping Osimhen. And he feels he will be the bright spark for the Partenopeans this season.

“Napoli has Osimhen, who at the moment has incredible numbers, lowers the defenses and always scores goals,” Marcolin said per Napoli Magazine.

“Osimhen deserves a renewal. He has scored more than 50 goals in 80 games. He is a leader and a driving force. You risk the big teams taking him away from you, so you have to please him.

“I also think he’s happy to stay and that you need to try to keep him with you if you want to do well in the Champions League as well.”

The Partenopeans play Lazio this weekend in their third Serie A game of the season. The two teams have contrasting fortunes. While Napoli have won their first two games, Lazio have lost theirs.

Osimhen has scored three goals in this campaign for Napoli. He would look to continue with his brilliance against Mauricio Sarri’s lads.