Former Manchester United defender believes Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen
AS Roma defender Chris Smalling has spoken highly of Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, explaining why the Nigerian forward is particularly difficult to defend against.
Smalling praises Napoli’s Osimhen
Smalling, who joined Roma from Manchester United in 2019, has been one of the club’s most consistent defenders during his time at the club, playing 140 matches in four seasons.
Smalling won the 2021/22 UEFA Europa League with Roma and has rediscovered his form since moving to Italy becoming one of the most revered defenders in Serie A.
Despite his impressive form, Smalling has confessed to having problems against certain Serie A forwards, including Napoli’s Nigerian sensation Victor Osimhen.
Smalling reveals toughest strikers to defend against in Serie A
Speaking to Star C Sports, Smalling revealed the most difficult strikers to mark in Serie A, naming Osimhen and Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic as his top two.
Explaining what makes Osimhen and Vlahovic so difficult to defend against, Smalling said, “Vlahovic and Osimhen are the toughest to defend against in Italy. Both have strength, technique, and speed.
“They can keep quiet for 89 minutes then they just need one chance to punish you.
In addition to praising them, the 31-time England international also predicted success in the players’ futures saying, “They will certainly have a great career.”
Osimhen is already proving Smalling right after breaking the record for the most goals by an African player in Serie A history on the way to helping Napoli claim their first Serie A title in 33 years.
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