Former Al-Nassr manager Rudi Garcia has recently highlighted the intriguing similarities between hygly-rated Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen and legendary footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo, Newspremises understands.
Garcia, previously in charge of Al-Nassr and presently at the helm of the Serie A champions, has succeeded Luciano Spalletti as head coach. Garcia had the privilege of collaborating with Ronaldo for an extensive period of nearly three months upon the maestro’s arrival in January. However, Garcia’s association with the club concluded amicably on April 13.
While boasting an impressive win rate of 69.23%, securing victories in 18 out of 26 matches under his guidance, the 59-year-old manager saw his tenure with the Riyadh-based team conclude due to his inability to clinch the Saudi Super Cup, King Cup, and ultimately surrendering the league title.
Subsequently, Garcia has made his way back to European football, taking the reins at Napoli—a team that triumphantly ended a three-decade-long Scudetto drought in the preceding season.
A significant portion of Partenopei’s resounding success can be attributed to the remarkable performances of Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Osimhen’s remarkable tally of 31 goals and valuable contribution of five assists in 39 appearances across various competitions, as reported by Transfermarkt, played a pivotal role.
Speaking about his experience working closely with the Nigerian prodigy, Garcia effusively praised his center forward, drawing a notable parallel between Osimhen’s prowess and the distinguished five-time Ballon d’Or awardee, Cristiano Ronaldo.
“Victor is a crazy dragger: he wants to win and drags the team,” he told DAZN Heroes as quoted by Sportskeeda.
Rudi continued: “A bit like Cristiano Ronaldo: when he wins, he’s delighted, calls the team, and wants to take a souvenir photo… I like it, he’s one of the best in the world as a centre-forward.
“It’s nice to see that a player who could only play the offensive phase defends like crazy, presses, comes back, helps the team.”
