Victor Osimhen made a remarkable impression in his first match for Galatasaray, showcasing what the Osimhen debut could bring to the team. In the Turkish Super Lig clash against Rizespor on Saturday, he registered seven shots on goal, setting a new record for the most shots in a single match this season. The game ended in a commanding 5-0 victory for Galatasaray, further emphasizing Osimhen’s immediate impact on his new team.
After a disappointing transfer window that saw him miss out on moves to Chelsea and Ah Ahly, Osimhen arrived at Galatasaray with something to prove. His performance in this match was not just about numbers; it was about making a statement. In addition to his impressive shooting record, he provided a key assist during the match, contributing to a stellar team effort that featured goals from Davinson Sánchez, Abdülkerim Bardakcı, Gabriel Sara, Dries Mertens, and Baris Yılmaz. This victory in Game Week 5 took place at RAMS Park in Istanbul, where Osimhen quickly became a focal point of the team’s attack.
Head coach Okan Buruk did not hesitate to place Osimhen in the starting lineup for his debut, and the young forward delivered. His strong physical presence and quick movements continuously troubled the Rizespor defense. One of the highlights of his performance came in the first half when he connected with a cross to unleash a powerful flicked header towards goal. Although he didn’t score, his teammate Bardakcı was in the right place to redirect Osimhen’s effort, turning it into an assist and showcasing the synergy developing within the team.
Throughout the match, Osimhen’s contributions went beyond just the assist. He demonstrated excellent passing skills by completing eight of the nine passes he attempted, resulting in a passing efficiency of 73%. Two of those passes led to scoring opportunities, underlining his ability to not only shoot but also create chances for his teammates.
The former Lille striker was relentless in his pursuit of the ball, as indicated by his overall attacking statistics. He had one shot on target, two shots off target, and four attempts blocked by defenders, highlighting his eagerness to make things happen despite the solid Rizespor defense. His effectiveness in aerial duels was impressive as well; he won three out of four aerial challenges and also triumphed in three out of four ground duels. This versatility as a forward allows him to play a critical role in various aspects of the game, from scoring to defending.
Despite missing a significant opportunity to score, the Osimhen debut was still a strong indicator of what he can bring to Galatasaray over the season. As the reigning CAF Player of the Year, he exhibited not only his physical strength and technical skills but also his playmaking ability throughout the full 90 minutes on the pitch.
With Galatasaray aiming to defend their title, Osimhen’s debut serves as an encouraging sign of his potential to lead the team’s attack in the coming matches. As the season unfolds, fans and analysts alike will eagerly anticipate his first goal in Turkish football, hoping that his strong debut performance is just the beginning of a successful chapter at Galatasaray.