Expectedly, Victor Osimhen made an instant impact in the Turkish Super Lig, having seven shots on goal on his debut for Galatasaray in Saturday’s 5-0 rout of Rizespor, a record in a Super Lig match this season.
Smarting from the disappointment of failed summer window’s deadline day’s moves to Chelsea and Ah Ahly, the 25-year-old proved to be one with much guts, making a bold statement on his maiden outing with The Yellow-Reds by providing an assist in their resounding victory in the Game Week 5 fixture at RAMS Park in Istanbul, where Davinson Sánchez, Abdülkerim Bardakcı, Gabriel Sara, Dries Mertens, and Baris Yılmaz took turns to find the net.
Thrown straight into the starting lineup by head coach Okan Buruk, Osimhen wasted no time showing his quality. His physical presence and sharp movement were a constant headache for the Rizespor defence throughout the match.
He came close to scoring in the first half when he met a cross with a powerful flicked header. However, it was his teammate Abdülkerim Bardakcı who applied the final touch, turning Osimhen’s goal-bound effort into an assist.
Beyond the assist, Osimhen’s overall performance was commanding. He completed eight of the nine passes he attempted, giving him a passing efficiency of 73%, with two of those passes creating shooting opportunities.
The Nigerian forward had one shot on target, two shots off target, and four blocked attempts, showing his willingness to attack despite the Rizespor defence standing firm.
The former Lille player was also effective in duels, winning three out of four aerial battles and three out of four ground duels. His ability to contest both in the air and on the ground highlighted his versatility as a forward. Furthermore, he successfully completed all of his dribbling attempts, showcasing his flair and technique.
While Osimhen missed one big chance to find the back of the net, his debut performance was a strong indication of what he can offer Galatasaray in the long run. The reigning CAF Player of the Year demonstrated his physical prowess, technical ability, and playmaking qualities during his full 90 minutes on the pitch.
With Galatasaray looking to defend their title, Osimhen’s debut serves as a promising sign of his potential to lead the club’s attack this season.
As Galatasaray’s season progresses, Osimhen’s strong debut performance will undoubtedly boost the club’s aspirations, and fans will be eagerly awaiting his first goal in Turkish football.
