played just the first half against Liverpool but he troubled the Liverpool backline with his speed

 

Victor Osimhen was too fast for the Liverpool defence

Victor Osimhen was too fast for the Liverpool defence

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has earned high praise for his performance in Napoli's UEFA Champions League clash with Liverpool earlier this month.

 

Napoli welcomed 2019 European champions, Liverpool, to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona for their Matchday 1 fixture of the European season and summarily defeated the English side by a 4-1 scoreline.

 

 

Osimhen started the match and shone against a Virgil van Dijk-led Liverpool defence following a quick start to the season for the Nigerian striker.

 

Despite missing a penalty in the 18th minute and going off injured in the 41st minute, Osimhen still showed his quality in the match.

 

According to top-rated Italian Television journalist Umberto Chiariello, the Super Eagles striker needed just 45 minutes to 'destroy' Liverpool's star defender Van Dijk.

 

Victor Osimhen and Giovanni Simeone are in contention for the same number 9 spot at Napoli

Victor Osimhen and Giovanni Simeone are in contention for the same number 9 spot at Napoli

"Victor Osimhen destroyed Virgil van Dijk, the greatest defender in the world, making a face like that for 45 minutes," Chiariello said on the Campania Sport program as reported by Area Napoli.

 

Chiariello also ran a rule over other attacking options in the Napoli team, stating that both 22-year-old Giacomo Raspadori and 27-year-old Giovanni Simeone have both delivered in Osimhen's absence.

 

Chiariello asserted: "Giacomo Raspadori has scored in the cup and in the league. Cholito Giovanni Simeone was decisive on every front."

 

Osimhen is expected to return from injury in time to play some part in Napoli's Matchday 3 Champions League fixture on Tuesday, October 4 when they take on Calvin Bassey's Ajax Amsterdam side at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

 

The Super Eagles striker is expected to be fully fit by Sunday, October 9 when the Luciano Spalletti-led side will travel to Cyriel Dessers' Cremonese side as they continue their push for the Italian Serie A title.