Former Al Nassr Manager Compares Victor Osimhen to Ronaldo

• Former Al Nassr manager Rudi Garcia has likened Victor Osimhen to Cristiano Ronaldo
• Garcia worked with the Portuguese star and believes the Nigerian has a similar passion
• The 59-year-old manager is expected to help Napoli retain their Serie A title this season

Former Al-Nassr manager, Rudi Garcia, has drawn similarities between highly-rated Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Garcia, who was relieved of his duties by the Saudi Pro League club last season, is currently the head coach of the Serie A champions, replacing Luciano Spalletti.

The French tactician collaborated with Ronaldo for almost three months following the Portuguese maestro's arrival in January. However, Garcia departed the club through mutual agreement on April 13.

Despite achieving an impressive win rate of 69.23%, securing victories in 18 out of 26 games under his leadership, the 59-year-old was let go by the Riyadh-based team due to his inability to secure the Saudi Super Cup, the King Cup, and ultimately relinquishing the league title.

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He has since returned to Europe, assuming the helm at Napoli - who broke their three-decade Scudetto drought last season.

A significant portion of the Partenopei's success was attributed to Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The Nigerian registered an impressive tally of 31 goals and contributed five assists in 39 appearances across all competitions, per Transfermarkt.

Garcia likens Osimhen to Ronaldo

Speaking about his experience working with the Nigerian talent, Garcia showered praises on his centre-forward while also drawing a comparison to the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.

"Victor is a crazy dragger: he wants to win and drags the team," he told DAZN Heroes as quoted by Sportskeeda. "A bit like Cristiano Ronaldo: when he wins he's delighted, he calls the team, he wants to take a souvenir photo… I like it, he's one of the best in the world as a centre-forward."

Garcia also said it was nice to have a player like Osimhen, who could only play the offensive phase, defending like crazy, pressing, coming back, and helping the team.

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Osimhen backed to win African POTY

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on legendary Ghanaian forward, Asamoah Gyan stating Osimhen deserves to win the 2023 African Player of the Year award.

Sadio Mane is the current holder of the gong, after leading Senegal to Africa Cup of Nations success in 2022 and winning domestic trophies with Liverpool.

Osimhen has since emerged as the clear favourite for the accolade following his instrumental role in guiding Napoli to their first Serie A title win in 33 years.