Michy Batshuayi is excited about his burgeoning partnership with Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen at Galatasaray, following the injury of Mauro Icardi. The Belgian striker made his first appearance alongside Osimhen in the Turkish Super Lig clash against Bodrumspor, after Icardi was ruled out for the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Before the injury, Icardi and Osimhen had formed the core of Galatasaray’s attack, but Batshuayi’s introduction has shifted the team’s dynamic.
Coach Orkan Buruk made changes in response to an injury to Metehan Baltaci, moving Osimhen into a central striker role, with Dries Mertens playing behind him.
Batshuayi was then substituted in at halftime to partner Osimhen, and the duo quickly found chemistry, with Batshuayi scoring the match-winning goal in the 54th minute.
Batshuayi shared his enthusiasm for playing alongside Osimhen, praising the strengths each player brings to the partnership.
Victor is good at aerial balls because he is tall.
He also makes deep runs, while I am good technically on my side, Batshuayi said. He expressed confidence in the pair’s complementary skills, stating that they could form an effective attacking duo.
Despite the victory, Galatasaray struggled with a lack of cohesion, largely due to the changes in their usual attacking setup.
Batshuayi’s goal secured the three points, but the team will need to adjust to ensure balance between their offensive talents and defensive stability.
With several capable attackers in their squad, Coach Buruk faces the challenge of maintaining defensive strength while exploring his attacking options, especially as Batshuayi and Osimhen continue to forge their partnership.
