Osimhen is better than Cavani - Former Napoli striker

Former Napoli striker Emmanuel Calaio has stated that Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen is better than Edinson Cavani, Soccernet reports.

Osimhen joined Napoli from Lille three years ago for €72million, and he has proved his ability. After struggling in his first season at Napoli due to injuries, Osimhen bounced back in the following campaign, registering 18 goals and six assists in 32 games.

However, the 24-year-old fully hit his stride last season, scoring 31 goals in 38 appearances across all competitions. His consistent performances spurred the club to their first Scudetto title in 33 years and their first-ever quarterfinal finish in the UEFA Champions League.

Osimhen also became the first African to win the Serie A Capocannoniere after his 26-goal haul for Napoli.

Former Napoli forward Calaio has been impressed with the Super Eagles striker’s performance, and he believes he has done better than Uruguayan legend Cavani, who won the Capocannoniere with Napoli in 2013.

“I think Osimhen is better than Cavani. He is different from all the strikers that have played for Napoli,” Calaio said per Napoli Magazine.

“He has enthusiasm, hunger and long levers. He keeps getting better year after year. From the first Serie A game in Frosinone, his desire to do well for the Azzurri was evident.

“Garcia gave him directions. He’s a very instinctive striker who needs to be tactically educated so he can improve in the defensive phase and offside.”

Napoli have managed to keep Osimhen despite interest from top European teams this summer. The Partenopeans would be desperate to show that last season’s performance was not a fluke, and Osimhen would be crucial to whatever they have planned this season.