Turkish sports journalist Ali Naci Küçük told the outlet Winner Galatasaray that the Istanbul club is no longer dependent on Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, noting that midfielder Aleksey Batrakov provides a viable alternative when the forward is unavailable.
Küçük said Osimhen’s absence will “inevitably affect Galatasaray,” but added that the team has moved away from a reliance on a single player. “Because Galatasaray now have game intelligence and tactical awareness on the pitch. Batrakov,” he explained.
The journalist highlighted Batrakov’s contribution, suggesting the midfielder’s presence offers the club “game intelligence and tactical awareness” that can compensate for any gap left by Osimhen.
According to Küçük, fan reactions have shifted as well. Where supporters once lamented, “Oh no, Osimhen is not playing,” many now say, “If Osimhen isn’t playing, Batrakov is.”
Galatasaray, one of Turkey’s most successful football clubs, has relied heavily on Osimhen’s goal‑scoring since his arrival. The comments reflect a broader narrative that the team is developing a more balanced tactical approach, reducing the perceived need for a single star to dictate outcomes.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
