'Osimhen can't get along with Batshuayi' - Sinan Engin

Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray celebrates after scoring during the UEFA Europa League in Istanbul, Turkey, 07 November 2024. EPA/ERDEM SAHIN

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Sunday Dec 01, 2024. 13:00

Belgian forward Michy Batshuayi cannot be partnered with his Galatasaray teammate Victor Osimhen upfront as they don’t ‘get along.’

This is according to Sinan Engin who spent most of his playing career at Galatasaray’s Turkish Super Lig rivals Beşiktaş between 1981 and 1989, and he is now an analyst.

Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk has preferred to play with two strikers since the arrival of the Nigerian striker as he partners with Mauro Icardi, but the latter is currently out injured.

However, Icardi is now out injured and Buruk deployed Batshuayi with Osimhen upfront on Thursday in a 1-1 draw against AZ Alkmaar with the Super Eagles star scoring in the UEFA Europa League clash.

“Victor Osimhen is the only one left in Galatasaray after Mauro Icardi, he can’t get along with Michy Batshuayi. Mauro Icardi was the right partner for Osimhen. Icardi knows how to play. They are good chances for each other,” Engin said on Haber Sari Kirmizi.

“Now, to bring the ball to Osimhen, you will either put Mertens next to Osimhen or make the midfield crowded. “Okan Buruk’s bench is not very rich either. 2-3 players left, it is down to 15-16 players.”

Batshuyi recently claimed that he is better than Osimhen ‘technically’ and it remains unclear whether their partnership will be successful.