‘Osimhen is a player with extraordinary potential’- Spalletti

Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti has described Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen as a player with extraordinary potential.

Speaking after their victory over Udinese where Osimhen struck twice to cancel Gerard Deulofeu's early goal Spalletti said will get better and better.

Saturday brace was Osimhen's second consecutive brace after the 2-0 win away to Hellas Verona, but the first comeback win in many months.

“All season we have put pressure on the opponents, but weren’t as sharp and clinical as today. The fans really helped, as they remained passionate and eager to turn it around,” Spalletti told DAZN.

“This is an important victory because it must be underlined Udinese are a very strong side and so well-organised.

“Osimhen is a player with extraordinary potential. He has this remarkable change of pace, but sometimes he can go beyond his limitations. He is very strong in the air and we made more of those crosses into the box this time.”

Napoli started with a 4-3-3 this afternoon, but then switched to 4-2-3-1 after the restart with the introduction of Dries Mertens for Fabian Ruiz.

“Systems mean only so much, modern football is more about how you interpret them. We must be ready for the high press, for quick turnovers that have been modernised, spaces not between the lines, but between the opposition players. They no longer have these precise lines, it’s about interpreting, seeing and using those spaces.

“There will always be a space behind the defenders and we need to make the most of them.”

Spalletti was asked if Napoli would be top of the table alone if Osimhen hadn’t been injured for such a long time with that multiple facial fractures.

“He is one of the players we missed. In these tournaments, you want 18 players available all the time. Osimhen was missing, unfortunately, we won’t have him next time through suspension, but at least he will be well-rested.”

Osimhen received a yellow card for handball in stoppages and will therefore be suspended against Atalanta, along with Amir Rrahmani.

 The Italian manager posited that the Eagles forward deserve more credit than he is getting, “He is a footballer who manages to go beyond his limit. When you think he is at his maximum potential, he manages to give an extra boost. He is a strong footballer, but you don’t push him too far. We don’t pay him enough compliments.”

Speaking to the media after the win, Osimhen said victory over Udinese is very important for the club, “A very important victory for us. There was an incredible atmosphere in the second half which helped us. I thank the fans for their support.”