UCL: He’s among world’s best strikers – Barcelona defender hails Osimhen

As the anticipation builds for the UEFA Champions League showdown between Barcelona and Napoli, Portuguese defender João Cancelo has showered praise on Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Spain on Tuesday night.

The tie hangs delicately in the balance following a captivating 1-1 draw in the first leg at the Diego Maradona Stadium.

Recall that Robert Lewandowski’s opener for Barcelona was swiftly answered by Osimhen’s clinical finish, showcasing the Nigerian striker’s prowess on the European stage.

However, recognizing Osimhen’s impact, Cancelo hailed him as one of the best strikers in the world and lauded his ability to seize opportunities with precision.

Additionally, Cancelo highlighted the talents of Matteo Politano, Piotr Zieliński, and Stanislav Lobotka, underscoring Napoli’s formidable lineup.

In an interview with Italian sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport via Il Napolista, Cancelo expressed admiration for Osimhen’s consistency and effectiveness under Napoli’s new coach, Francesco Calzona.

“And Politano? They are exceptional talents, Osimhen scored with half the ball in the first leg, he is one of the best strikers in the world,” Cancelo said.

“But there is more: I like Zielinski who can’t play because he is not on the list, and Lobotka, I faced him with Portugal and he is a great player.”

Since his return from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Osimhen has maintained an impressive scoring streak, netting five goals in as many appearances.