Deeney likens Osimhen to Drogba after Galatasaray UCL win

Former Watford captain Troy Deeney has compared Victor Osimhen to Chelsea legend Didier Drogba, praising the Nigerian's all-round game ahead of Galatasaray's 2-0 Champions League victory over Stuttgart at Rams Park on Tuesday.

Deeney told CBS Sports Golazo that Osimhen's value goes beyond goals: "People will look at the goals. I look at his work rate. The ability to work that whole backline on his own." He highlighted Osimhen's similarity to Drogba in occupying entire defences, adding threat running in behind, strong link-up play, and willingness to run channels alone.

The 2023 African Footballer of the Year entered the match with nine domestic goals this season. Though he didn't score against Stuttgart, Galatasaray dominated with Aleksey Batrakov netting a first-half brace.

For Nigerian football fans, the comparison to Drogba—Africa's most decorated European performer—signals Osimhen's continued evolution into a complete forward on the biggest stage. His physical profile, movement, and work rate mirror the qualities that made Drogba a nightmare for elite defences.

With Galatasaray top of their UCL group, Osimhen's platform to chase continental glory expands. Can he match Drogba's 2012 Champions League heroics in a Galatasaray shirt?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/11/04/ucl-hes-very-similar-to-drogba-troy-deeney-on-osimhen/