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Victor Osimhen: What to expect in 2021-22

Victor Osimhen’s debut season under Gennaro Gattuso at&nbsp;Napoli was a mixed bag.
Having joined for big money from Lille, there was an added pressure to thrive in Naples as the club’s most expensive signing in history.

Of course, 10 Serie A goals in 16 starts (24 appearances in total), was far below expectations given the huge outlay, but any assessment of 2020-21 requires an element of context.

A shoulder injury sustained on Nigeria duty in November and coronavirus meant he wasn’t at his physical best&nbsp;after returning in late January.

A mini-scare in a league encounter against Atalanta in February saw the centre-forward hospitalised following a knock to the head, further complicating an already troubled season.

His campaign ended on a high, however, with a series of strong performances as the Azzurri pushed for a Champions League spot.

While that ultimately ended in final-day failure, his showings in the run-in of his transition year gave a glimpse into what the young forward can achieve when he’s on it.

“[Osimhen] is a good fleet-footed player who is technically gifted. The Nigerian is strong as well. Having come from a mediocre league like Ligue 1, he needed a year for transition, it was necessary,” Diego Maradona Junior told <a href="https://www.areanapoli.it/interviste/maradona-jr-cosi-osimhen-puo-diventare-un-giocatore-illegale_422807.html" target="_blank">Areanapoli</a> in June.

“The former Lille player has a lot of qualities to do better [in Serie A]. The transition period is over, and he is more mature which will help him overcome challenges faced in Italy.

“We expect a better performance next season in Serie A.”

Condescending to Ligue 1, definitely, but broadly spot on from Diego Jr.

The story of last season

There were fleeting reports of interest from Tottenham Hotspur but surely Napoli don’t sell someone they invested heavily&nbsp;in a year ago and particularly after his impressive pre-season performances.

Any transfer talk?

Definitely more goals to begin to silence doubters who similarly raised eyebrows at his astronomical transfer fee.
Having missed out on Champions League football for two years on the spin, a return to Europe’s elite competition will make the imminent season a success.

On the other hand, another run-of-the-mill campaign, especially if fans return to the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, heaps unwanted pressure on the Nigeria superstar.

The upshot of that might elicit a move away from Naples if the club loses confidence in the Osimhen project.

Best/worst case scenarios in 2021-22

New Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti has waxed lyrical over Osimhen at every opportunity, although he’s equally been measured in his analysis at times, highlighting subtle weaknesses.
“Osimhen is a striker who has the ability to transform every ball that comes his way into chances," Spalletti told the club's <a href="https://www.sscnapoli.it/static/news/Spalletti-Voglio-un-Napoli-che-sappia-sempre-sorprendere-23074.aspx" target="_blank">website</a> before the forward netted a two-minute brace against Bayern Munich.

“He is a generous player who runs a lot and now and then this intense race can cause him some mistakes, but he is an important player, complete and we aim a lot on him.”

After forming a solid relationship with ex-boss Gennaro Gattuso, the early signs indicate the Super Eagle and former Inter Milan trainer will get along just fine.

What are they saying?

What a difference a couple of years make. Having made a sole appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019, Osimhen ought to spearhead Nigeria’s attack in Cameroon.
The 22-year-old played only 45 minutes off the bench against Tunisia after replacing an injured Odion Ighalo — the competition’s top scorer in Egypt — but has since replaced the former on-loan Manchester United striker as the team’s marksman.

If Gernot Rohr’s Super Eagles are to soar in the continental showpiece, the Napoli frontman will have a pivotal role in their success.

What role will Osimhen play at the Afcon?

A bucketload of goals. He’s enjoyed a pretty encouraging pre-season, netting a quartet of goals in the Azzurri’s 12-0 thrashing of Anaunia in mid-July, the only goal in success over Serie C club Pro Vercelli and a quick-fire double in the 3-0 hammering of Bayern on the Bundesliga giants’ turf.
Owing to Spalletti’s reputation for getting the best out of strikers regardless of their profile, the new campaign bodes well for Napoli’s record signing.

However, it remains to be seen if the Partenopei sustain their top four challenge.

No less than seven clubs — Inter Milan, Juventus, AC Milan, Atalanta, Lazio, Roma and the Naples outfit — are vying for the coveted Champions League positions, further highlighting the need for Osimhen to have a top class season...and we're backing him to flourish!

Goal's prediction for 2021-22

Victor Osimhen: What to expect in 2021-22 | Goal.com

Will Victor Osimhen take his game to the next level under Napoli&apos;s new boss Luciano Spalletti?