Portuguese defender João Cancelo has heaped praise on Napoli’s Victor Osimhen as excitement mounts for the team’s UEFA Champions League matchup against Barcelona. This sets the stage for an exciting match on Tuesday night at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Spain.
After an exciting 1-1 draw in the first leg at Diego Maradona Stadium, the tie is now precariously balanced.
Remember how Osimhen’s exquisite finish quickly countered Robert Lewandowski’s opening goal for Barcelona, demonstrating the striker from Nigeria’s ability to compete on the European scene?
Cancelo, however, acknowledged Osimhen’s influence and praised his ability to precisely exploit openings, calling him one of the world’s top attackers.
Cancelo also emphasized the skills of Stanislav Lobotka, Piotr Zieliński, and Matteo Politano, highlighting Napoli’s strong lineup.
During Osimhen’s tenure as Napoli’s new coach, Francesco Calzona, Cancelo showed praise for the player’s consistency and effectiveness in an interview with the Italian sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport, via Il Napolista.
“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.”
Osimhen has continued his remarkable scoring run after returning from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, scoring five goals in as many games.
