'One of the best in the world in this area' - Galatasaray captain highlights Osimhen's defensive work

Galatasaray captain Abdülkerim Bardakcı has highlighted the contribution of his teammate Victor Osimhen to the defence.

Heading into their final Super Lig game of the season, the newly crowned champions boasted the league’s best defensive record, having conceded just 29 goals — three fewer than Goztepe.

Osimhen, who tallied 22 goals and registered 8 assists this term, played a significant role not only in attack but also contributed defensively.

Despite being a striker, the Nigeria international is renowned for his relentless pressing, tireless work rate, and willingness to track back defensively.

His aerial dominance, physicality and ability to disrupt opposition build-up also make him a valuable asset without the ball.

Bardakcı emphasised the importance of defending from the front, noting that modern football demands active participation from attackers in regaining possession.

In quotes relayed by Ege de SonSoz, he stated: "Defense starts from the forwards. Osimhen is one of the best in the world in this area.

"Yunus and Gabi (Sara) often accompany Osimhen in pressing and relieve the pressure on the defense. Thanks to Osimhen's pressure on the opponent, the ball often doesn't come to us…"

During the 2025–26 campaign, Osimhen posted averages of 0.3 interceptions, 0.8 clearances and 0.6 tackles per match

He also pressed high up the pitch, winning possession in the final third once per game while registering two ball recoveries on average.