Ajax manager John Heitinga has heaped praise on Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, drawing comparisons between the Galatasaray forward and football legends Didier Drogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League clash between Ajax and Galatasaray in Amsterdam, Heitinga acknowledged Osimhen’s remarkable form and influence on the pitch.
“If I were to compare Osimhen to someone, it would be these two people; one is Drogba, the other Ibrahimovic. He’s both strong and fast, and his physique is very good. We need to watch out for him,” Heitinga said.
Osimhen, who has become one of Europe’s most feared strikers, joined Galatasaray permanently after a record-breaking loan spell last season. His 37 goals in all competitions powered the Turkish giants to a league-and-cup double their first in 11 years.
The 26-year-old’s outstanding performances have also made him a central figure in Galatasaray’s European campaign. He became the club’s fastest-ever goalscorer in the UEFA Champions League after netting an early strike against Bodo/Glimt, and went on to score in seven consecutive European matches a new record for the Istanbul-based club.
Osimhen also scored the decisive goal in Galatasaray’s famous victory over Liverpool, marking the club’s first back-to-back Champions League wins in 13 years.
Once linked with Premier League sides Manchester United and Chelsea, Osimhen’s move to Turkey came after the English clubs reportedly balked at Napoli’s €75 million asking price and the striker’s wage demands. That hesitation turned out to be Galatasaray’s gain and Turkey’s most expensive transfer in history.
Now, as Ajax prepare to face Galatasaray, Heitinga’s comments highlight the respect Osimhen commands across Europe. The Dutch manager’s comparison to Drogba and Ibrahimovic underlines not only the Nigerian’s physicality and speed but also his growing reputation as one of football’s elite forwards.
A goal in Amsterdam on Wednesday could see Osimhen extend his scoring streak and cement his name further in Galatasaray’s record books.
