Okan Buruk’s bizzare yet spectacular rotation has been called into question following the encounter with Basaksehir during which Osimhen played only for 16 minutes.
Though Galatasaray victimised the club in a 2-1 victory to maintain lead and title defence campaign, the fans took to social media, challenging why the Nigerian forward with scintillating form was limited to 16 minutes appearance.
Osimhen was brought in the game in the 74th minute, substituting striker Mauro Icardi and has scored only two Super Lig goals since the commencement of this season, an unusual development which has raised concerns culminating in a clamour by fans for Osimhen’s inclusion in the starting formation.
Buruk’s resolve to start the match with Mauro Icardi, who scored five goals having started seven matches this season while benching the scoring machine, Victor Osimhen triggered fiery debate online by Galatasaray’s faithfuls.
“Unless he’s injured, Osimhen needs to start in the first 11 now. We need to get the guy in form; we saw how much impact he has even when he comes on as a substitute,” one fan posted.
Another disappointed faithful simply asked: “Why’s Victor Osimhen benched?”
A third trailer exposed the sentiment and liking for iconic athletes over young talent: “You don’t need to ask why the youngsters are fleeing abroad… There are 2 heavyweights playing at stopper and 2 young sharpshooters like arrows on the bench.”
Analysing the latest development with unbiased mind, one may submit that it’s Buruk’s wisdom to ensure equitable attention and treatment of the two forwards
While Osimhen, with his raw pace and physicality, offers a different dimension to the attack, his limited goal return of two goals in six Super Lig appearances contrasts with his last full season’s haul of 26 league goals.
Icardi has proven worthy teammate and equally primed for the task, averaging 1.41 goals per 90 minutes this season.
Leroy Sané’s brace in this latest win, which has fostered the club’s momentum rationalizes whether a bench role for Osimhen is justifiable.
Galatasaray is atop the standing from the clash with Basaksehir, resolute to secure victory from its games even with the rotation of the forwards. But Onuachu-led Trabzonspor is piling on the pressure at the moment.
Notwithstanding, the backlash by fans indicates the team does superlatively with Osimhen spearheading the offensive and line.
The outcry places Buruk in a dilemma and must decide whether to sustain the choice of starting Icardi or restoring the enviable position to Osimhen to animate his potential in order to consolidate grip on the Super Lig title.
