Vilizar Yakimov explains why Napoli were so keen to bring in the 21-year-old Nigeria striker.

It might sound strange, but 2020 just keeps getting better and better for Napoli from a footballing point of view.


The Partenopei were a complete mess back in December when the infamous row between the players and the club resulted in Carlo Ancelotti’s sacking.

However, Gennaro Gattuso has been doing wonders ever since, winning the Coppa Italia and building a solid foundation for next season.



Putting the results aside, Napoli have done extremely well in the January transfer window, bringing in Diego Demme, Stanislav Lobotka and Matteo Politano, while also securing the services of Amir Rrahmani from Verona and SPAL’s top goalscorer Andrea Petagna for next term.

While Aurelio De Laurentiis has done well to add quality and depth to the squad, it’s hard to say that any of those signings bring the excitement that the Napoletani are used to seeing.

That’s where Victor Osimhen comes in.

The 21-year-old striker has become Napoli’s most expensive signing ever, as the Partenopei have paid a stunning €50m plus Orestis Karnezis and bonuses to Lille OSC for the Nigerian.

The reports of €81m seem far-fetched and probably included the wages for his entire contract.



It’s still a lot more than the Partenopei paid for their current most expensive acquisition Hirving Lozano, who arrived for €42m from PSV Eindhoven last summer.

It’s obvious that even for €50m the expectations towards Osimhen will go way beyond the pure excitement that such a signing brings, but what exactly can he bring to Napoli?

The Nigerian’s numbers clearly can’t justify his gigantic rumoured €81m transfer fee, as Osimhen scored 18 goals and four assists in all competitions for Lille, before Ligue 1 was cancelled due to the COVID situation.



However, his age and playing style are what make him perfect for Napoli, as the 1.85metres tall striker possess impressive speed and physique, while his off the ball movement is simply remarkable.

Osimhen is a player who likes to run in the channels and behind the back of opposition defences, which makes him a good for Napoli’s playing style.

His acceleration and ability to run with the ball also mean he would be perfect for Gattuso’s counter-attacking approach in certain games.

While neither Arkadiusz Milik nor Dries Mertens combine those qualities, Osimhen’s biggest advantage over them is the intensity of his pressing gamе.

The Nigerian averages 1.3 recoveries in the final third, which is significantly higher than Milik’s 0.9, while his speed and agility are far superior to those of Mertens, who at 33, often loses some of his intensity in the latter stages of games.

Osimhen’s presence in Napoli’s attack would allow the Partenopei to recover possession much easier and in more advanced areas of the pitch, while his speed and positioning in the penalty area will make the transition from defence to attack much smoother.


This is further highlighted by Osimhen’s 78.9% progressive passes success rate, which is equal to Mertens, but significantly higher than Milik’s 64%.

In terms of shooting, Osimhen is also far more composed than his age might suggest, as 44% of his shots hit the target, which is much better than Mertens’ 35%.

Milik’s stats look similar in that regard, but considering that the Pole seems eager to leave, it would certainly help if Napoli have a player of similar height and shooting accuracy.

The Nigerian’s technical ability is not to be underestimated as well, as although he is right-footed, he is also very capable with his left, scoring seven goals with his supposed weaker foot.

Of course, pointing out only the strong aspects of Osimhen’s game would be wrong, so just like Martin Schmidt, who used to coach him at Wolfsburg, admitted recently that the youngster still has a long way to go tactically.

However, he already has remarkable speed and athleticism, so he already is a very strong player.

Mentality wise, just like every young player, the 21-year-old needs to improve his concentration, but he plays with such fire and passion that could potentially make him instrumental for Gattuso’s vision of the team.

Despite all this, the fact remains that Osimhen’s transfer is a huge gamble for Napoli.

Becoming Napoli’s most expensive signing ever and one of the most expensive African players of all time surely comes with a burden, so the big risk here is to avoid the exaggerated transfer fee putting in unrealistic expectations towards the player.

It is no coincidence that the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea have shown interest in the Nigerian, so there is little doubt that Osimhen can light up Naples.

He just needs to be given the chance.

Leicester City are listening to offers for Kelechi Iheanacho.

The Daily Mail says the 23-year-old joined Leicester from Manchester City for £25m in 2017 and has been used predominantly from the bench by manager Brendan Rodgers.

He still managed ten goals in 26 appearances but Leicester want to strengthen their forward options and are willing to sell Kelechi to fund their plans.

Selling Iheanacho can help offset their spending with midlands neighbours Aston Villa among those showing an interest.

The Nigerian managed a respectable 10 goals in all competitions this season and is bound to have suitors.

Philosopher1979:
Napoli will now have a lot of Nigerian fans because of Victor Osimhen

already a fan bro, don't you know that "Napoli is like Lagos ni"

Naija Players expected/likely to be in action for their sides across Europe today - August 2

✔Serie A - Matchday 38, Final Matchday

Ola Aina (Torino) vs Bologna - Away game.

William Troost Ekong (Udinese) vs Sassuolo - Away game.



✔Norwegian Eliteserien

Victor Okoh Boniface (FK Bodo/Glimt) vs Stromsgodset - Home game.

Jack Ipalibo (Stromsgodset) vs FK Bodo/Glimt - Away game.

Afeez Aremu and Adeleke Akinyemi (IK Start) vs Mjondalen - Home game.
*Former Latvian Virsliga hotshot, Adeleke Akinyemi has returned from injury and made a substitute appearance in their last game

Shuaibu Lalle Ibrahim (Mjondalen) vs IK Start - Away game.

Samuel Adegbenro (Rosenborg) vs Odds BK - Away game.



✔Swedish Allsvenskan

Alhassan Yusuf (IFK Goteborg) vs Malmo FF - Home game.

Innocent Bonke (Malmo FF) vs IFK Goteborg - Away game.

*A repeat of the Swedish Cup final that saw Alhassan's Goteborg Triumph 2-1 over Bonke's side


✔Club friendlies

**Francis Uzoho (APOEL Nicosia) vs Anorthosis Famagusta







Bonus:

✔Albanian Cup Final

Egbo's K.F. Tirana vs KF Teuta

*Ndubuisi Egbo's K.F. Tirana takes on KF Teuta in the cup final today in their quest to make it a domestic double. He became the first African to win a top flight league in Europe but now can he write further history by becoming the first African coach to win a domestic double in Europe? Time will tell.

JayromWrites:


No wonder he moved to Genk from Az Alkmaar

He is the best striker since Ronaldo Da lima

From Heracles. Calm down, Dude was born in Limburg, closest city to Genk. Genk became his boyhood club.

Milinkovic-Savic, Ndidi, Koulibaly, Courtois, De Bruyne all passed through Genk.

Blueelf:
What is it I am hearing?

That desserts is rethinking his Eagles decision...

Well if true, good luck to him

My boy is going nowhere. Make una relax. He is making his debut for Nigeria in September.

This is a madly fluid description naa. Lol... These guys were on another level. Tevez, Rooney... haba. We hope to get within several meters of this but I think we can if we work at it.

TheGoodJoe:


A fluid description of the two man attack. Rooney - Tevez flanked by CR7 and Nani.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9e1i1b5aeXI

Mikel Obi to Trabzonspor captain on Twitter.

"I am very glad for you. You deserved to be the captain of this team. I also apologize for the way I left the team. I hope we meet again. ''

andrewbaba44:


Dessers isn’t as good as Maja ?

Okay

yeah I'm in full support of the notion, Maja is better than dessers...

In my opinion, Maja can play, e. g his back to goal is very good, he can hold the ball and also dribble on rushing players, and can score...

On dessers, I'm not very impressed like that... To me, he is not very fluid. Can he beat 1 or 2 defenders and be composed and still score? I don't think he is good with the ball either...

TheLoneCitizen:


From Heracles. Calm down, Dude was born in Limburg, closest city to Genk. Genk became his boyhood club.

Milinkovic-Savic, Ndidi, Koulibaly, Courtois, De Bruyne all passed through Genk.

not at 26...

And I strongly doubt Belgium will call him... I think we are his only hope and still he'd have to make do with 4th choice... I hope he light up Genk Sha, maybe another highest goal scorer feat, by then we can know say baba mean business... Battle for our 2nd choice striker just began....

I pray more headache for rhor

charlesemeka85:
Leicester City are listening to offers for Kelechi Iheanacho.

The Daily Mail says the 23-year-old joined Leicester from Manchester City for £25m in 2017 and has been used predominantly from the bench by manager Brendan Rodgers.

He still managed ten goals in 26 appearances but Leicester want to strengthen their forward options and are willing to sell Kelechi to fund their plans.

Selling Iheanacho can help offset their spending with midlands neighbours Aston Villa among those showing an interest.

The Nigerian managed a respectable 10 goals in all competitions this season and is bound to have suitors.

Good for him, time for a fresh start. Hopefully Ndidi leaves the stupid club too let Rodgers be doing his nonsense experiment with Hamzat Chadoury, Preat and co. They really disappointed me this past season.

Starboytwo:
yeah I'm in full support of the notion, Maja is better than dessers...

In my opinion, Maja can play, e. g his back to goal is very good, he can hold the ball and also dribble on rushing players, and can score...

On dessers, I'm not very impressed like that... To me, he is not very fluid. Can he beat 1 or 2 defenders and be composed and still score? I don't think he is good with the ball either...

Okay ooo

If una say so

Starboytwo:
not at 26...

He is 25, Ziyech(Africa's best player) made his EPL move at 27.

Truidstar:

My boy is going nowhere. Make una relax. He is making his debut for Nigeria in September.

I also think he's being diplomatic about it. He plays in Belgium, I don't think he would just say no to thier faces

TheLoneCitizen:
Mikel Obi to Trabzonspor captain on Twitter.

"I am very glad for you. You deserved to be the captain of this team. I also apologize for the way I left the team. I hope we meet again. ''

What do you expect from obi mikel bro ?

One of the most humble players i have ever seen

Inside him and iniesta i no no who humble pass

TheLoneCitizen:


From Heracles. Calm down, Dude was born in Limburg, closest city to Genk. Genk became his boyhood club.

Milinkovic-Savic, Ndidi, Koulibaly, Courtois, De Bruyne all passed through Genk.

All left before 24

Nigga went to Genk at 25

A source was quoted without a link. From my first checks, I couldn’t verify it. I will dig further. But if it is true, it is something for the PATRIOTIC crew to think about. That said Dessers was very clear, he did not think he stood a chance with the Belgian NT. That means if he sees a real chance with them it will be a hard choice at least.
But it’s funny seeing someone who aome expected will be maybe in the 2nd or 3rd in the pecking order among the strikers in the SE fall down sharply in some people’s minds just because of this unverified news.

Why will suddenly Dessers think it will be hard to break into the Super Eagles? What has changed between the time he seemingly committed to us and now?

We seem not to accept the reality that the SE/Nigeria is not an attractive brand. There are no short cuts to success in this regard as well. Until we do the right things from the home front, we will be largely seen as a second option.

Blueelf:
What is it I am hearing?

That desserts is rethinking his Eagles decision...

Well if true, good luck to him

Olulong:


I also think he's being diplomatic about it. He plays in Belgium, I don't think he would just say no to thier faces

Forget story. He has not even played a season in Belgium. He is doing well in pre-season. Which player because of pre season form gets invited to the National team? He is ours confirmed.

Starboytwo:
yeah I'm in full support of the notion, Maja is better than dessers...

In my opinion, Maja can play, e. g his back to goal is very good, he can hold the ball and also dribble on rushing players, and can score...

On dessers, I'm not very impressed like that... To me, he is not very fluid. Can he beat 1 or 2 defenders and be composed and still score? I don't think he is good with the ball either...

Maja is not fit to lace Dessers boots in terms if goal poaching ability.

andrewbaba44:


Out wide boss

If mertens Dey always play as striker milik go don rot for bench

The cf is available for victor

Oga Andrew this is not Arguement. I don tell you finish but e no mean say he go bench Osimhen

Starboytwo:
yeah I'm in full support of the notion, Maja is better than dessers...

In my opinion, Maja can play, e. g his back to goal is very good, he can hold the ball and also dribble on rushing players, and can score...

On dessers, I'm not very impressed like that... To me, he is not very fluid. Can he beat 1 or 2 defenders and be composed and still score? I don't think he is good with the ball either...

Have you watched Dessers?

Blueelf:


It beats me how people think Osimhen was signed to come and AIT on the bench.

Even if Man city signed him for over 70m plus, he won't sit on the bench there

Seems you are missing the point. I didn't say Victor will sit on bench for Mertens. The argument is Mertens position in Napoli squad for the past 3 seasons or so

Leicester City willing to listen to offers for striker Kelechi Iheanacho in order to fund their pursuit of £40m-rated Celtic forward Odsonne Edouard

By Simon Jones for MailOnline
I hate Leicester city.
.I pray they get relegated next season

charlesemeka85:


Becoming Napoli’s most expensive signing ever and one of the most expensive African players of all time surely comes with a burden, so the big risk here is to avoid the exaggerated transfer fee putting in unrealistic expectations towards the player.

It is no coincidence that the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea have shown interest in the Nigerian, so there is little doubt that Osimhen can light up Naples.

He just needs to be given the chance.

Exactly my point

Being Africa's most expensive player is not an award

Pepe had an okay season for Arsenal but his transfer fee has blinded everyone

Utonwanne:



Oga Andrew this is not Arguement. I don tell you finish but e no mean say he go bench Osimhen

Sorry sir

I no argue

JayromWrites:



Exactly my point

Being Africa's most expensive player is not an award

Pepe had an okay season for Arsenal but his transfer fee has blinded everyone

Pepe didnt had an okay season

I sould have agreed he had an okay season if he had managed 10 epl goals

JayromWrites:


All left before 24

Nigga went to Genk at 25

"As a little boy you dream of great things. I dreamed of KRC Genk", that was his twitter post.

Every Nigerian dreams of playing EPL, as a Belgian he dreamt of representing boyhood club. Nabil Fekir, a world cup player left French Giants, Lyon to Betis at 26.

Rodgers will be hoping his previous relationship with Edouard swings the transfer in his favour, having previously worked with him while in charge of the Scottish club.

TheLoneCitizen:



"As a little boy you dream of great things. I dreamed of KRC Genk", that was his twitter post.

Every Nigerian dreams of playing EPL, as a Belgian he dreamt of representing boyhood club. Nabil Fekir, a world cup player left French Giants, Lyon to Betis at 26.

I guess Fekir dreamt of Betis as well

Lyon to Betis was a downgrade imo

He almost joined Liverpool

Fact is: Dessers(God knows i love this guy) is not better than all our options

His career path to date is average

Good players at his age are taking a leap to a bigger league and club

He settled for Genk..(Or maybe Genk settled for him)

Either ways, he isn't the best we've got

And if e feels e want to play for Belgium, i wish him goodluck(He's than Benteke sha... Batman?? I strongly doubt)

andrewbaba44:


Pepe didnt had an okay season

I sould have agreed he had an okay season if he had managed 10 epl goals

8 goals, 10 assists in his first season

That's okay for me

TheLoneCitizen:

He is 25, Ziyech(Africa's best player) made his EPL move at 27.

Lmao the people you give the best player tag is funny as hell

TheSuperNerd:
Ndidi's 19/20 season: A success or failure?



Has Leicester City’s botched attempt to secure Champions League football soiled what was another impressive year for the evolving Nigerian anchorman?


Without question, Leicester City’s final standing had a ‘What might have been?’ feel to it, owing to how they had looked to have secured a Champions League spot at the halfway point of the campaign.

Indeed, the fact they were 11 points above Manchester United in eighth after 19 games only to end in fifth four points adrift of the Red Devils amplifies their collapse at the end of the extended 2019/20 season.

Even though the Foxes made the semi-final of the League Cup, quarter-final of the FA Cup, scored more goals and conceded fewer this season compared to 18/19, had their first Premier League Golden Boot winner in Jamie Vardy and will be playing in Europe next season, there’s a hint of sadness at how they unravelled since the turn of the year.

There’s an argument that Brendan Rodgers’ side would have taken fifth spot had it been offered to them a year ago, still, given the prolific nature of their start, preseason expectations were probably adjusted following a strong opening to the campaign.

While many continue to mull over the glass half-full or glass half-empty appraisal, the improving Wilfred Ndidi will undoubtedly be pleased with his season, which continued his progression as an all-round midfielder.

Given the 23-year-old arrived from Genk practically as a ball winner capable of scoring the odd cracker, his development since January 2017 has been outstanding.



Unsurprisingly, as has been the case in the two preceding seasons, Ndidi was the top tackler in the division, along with Man United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka with 129. In 17/18 and 18/19, that figure was 138 and 143 respectively.

What makes this year’s volume all the more impressive is because he registered this many retrievals despite the team's shift in style, which was highlighted by the increase in Leicester’s average possession.

In the Nigerian’s first full season, the Foxes' average possession was 48 percent and it just barely crossed the halfway mark last year. However, Rodgers’ troops had a mean of 57.5 percent this year, the fourth-highest in the Premier League, and a major indicator of their change in approach.

Thus, it was hugely impressive that the West African still topped that metric regardless of the alteration of the team’s style in possession. Only Bournemouth’s Diego Rico (84) made more interceptions than Ndidi’s 80, with the anchorman’s reading of the game as sharp as ever.

Nevertheless, the pertinent indicator of the ex-Genk man’s improvement hasn’t been what he’s done without the ball alone, rather his adeptness in possession to match the brutishness in the middle of the park.



According to Fbref, the Nigeria international ranks fifth for passes made excluding dead-ball passes, higher than James Maddison, the side’s creative hub this season. In fairness, the Englishman’s injury towards the end of the campaign probably saw Ndidi edge him in the closing weeks but playing a high quantity of passes in the first place demonstrates his importance in the Foxes’ build-up.

He played 44.4 passes per game, the fourth-highest in the side and an accuracy of 85 percent was a commendable completion rate. Unsurprisingly, the Nigerian completed 87 percent of his attempted passes in Leicester’s half while the decrease to 83 percent in the opposition half was a respectable return.

For passes longer than 25 yards, the mere fact that Ndidi successfully found a teammate 304 times from 376 tries (81% success) showed not all these attempts were short, simple passes.
While he sits sixth for percentage success for long passes, only Caglar Soyuncu’s 555 completed passes from 659 efforts was significantly higher (no other colleague with a better completion rate crossed the 100-pass mark).

Furthermore, 138 passes by the 23-year-old defensive midfielder were directed into the final third, only Jonny Evans (144), Maddison (155) and Youri Tielemans (157) attempted more. While the Nigerian didn’t quite attempt as many progressive passes (74) he still sits a respectable eighth when compared with other teammates.

The aforementioned truly highlight the transformation of Ndidi into a more complete midfielder, who not only thrives in the defensive aspects but is now becoming an accomplished player in possession as well.





In truth, it is no surprise he led the way for most blocks (81) while successfully harrying the opponent on the ball more times than any other Leicester player, given that’s what he thrives at doing. The improving adeptness with the ball, however, is why the African is becoming one of the top rounded players in his position.

Indeed, Ndidi’s influence on their play was felt early on in the Foxes’ slump from mid-January to February where he missed five of six league games. Rodgers’ men won none of those fixtures with the 2-1 home defeat by Southampton the perfect representation of how much they lean on the Nigerian.

While he was involved in a few questionable moments post-lockdown – the concession of penalties in damaging defeats by Everton and Bournemouth, especially – the former was a contentious handball while the other originated from Kasper Schmeichel’s poor kick at the Vitality Stadium.

Without a doubt, Ndidi has come on in leaps and bounds since his Premier League debut against Chelsea in January 2017, refining his style to suit the team while not losing his blue-collar tendencies in the process.

The Nigerian anchorman will finally grace European football with Leicester next season, still, it’s a shame it won’t be the Champions League as the continent’s most prestigious competition is where his talent ought to be showcased and where the Foxes seemed destined for before their post-January decline.


Source: Goal

Ndidi really tried this season. It's such a pity leceister had to settle for europa and I really hope a Big club comes for him soon.