Turkish football analyst Emre Bol believes Victor Osimhen could be the decisive factor when Galatasaray face Liverpool in the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League, Soccernet.ng reports.
Liverpool, the reigning Premier League champions, are widely viewed as favourites going into the knockout tie. Their squad depth, European pedigree and attacking options have placed them among the strongest teams left in the competition.
But Bol insists Galatasaray possess something Liverpool do not: a match-winning striker capable of deciding games on his own, along with a reliable goalkeeper in Uğurcan Çakır.
Despite Liverpool’s attacking options carrying a combined transfer valuation close to €250 million, the Turkish pundit argues that Osimhen stands above them in quality and impact.
Galatasaray already defeated Liverpool 1-0 during the group stage thanks to an Osimhen penalty, and Bol believes that result proves another upset is possible.
“Did Galatasaray beat Liverpool? Yes, they did,” Bol said as per Habersarikirmzi.
“There's no reason why they can't beat them again. Does Liverpool have players like Osimhen and Uğurcan Çakır? I don't think so. Galatasaray's strikers and goalkeepers are better than Liverpool's.”
Victor Osimhen urged to be patient with teammates
While Osimhen has delivered important goals this season, recent matches have shown moments of frustration from the Nigerian forward. Often well positioned inside the box, he has struggled with inconsistent service from teammates, forcing him to press defenders and goalkeepers aggressively just to create scoring chances.
Bol acknowledged those frustrations but urged the striker to show understanding toward teammates he believes operate at a different physical and technical level.
“Osimhen isn't of this world,” Bol noted.
“He gets angry at his teammates during the Juventus match, but you're not human; you don't have a normal physical condition. The others are normal people; that's all the strength and power they have. Don't get angry at your teammates for no reason.
“He's a fantastic player, he single-handedly eliminated Juventus. He directly contributed to 4 goals in two matches. He gets angry at everyone but you're not human, everyone else is.”
Osimhen’s Champions League numbers reveals his importance. The Super Eagles striker has scored seven goals and provided two assists in eight appearances this season, making him Galatasaray’s main attacking weapon heading into the Liverpool tie.
In comparison, Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike has managed only two goals in the competition, while Alexander Isak is still waiting for his first Champions League goal for the English side since his big-money move from Newcastle United.
