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Besiktas boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has drawn up a tactical plan to contain Galatasaray’s in-form striker, Victor Osimhen, ahead of Saturday’s Istanbul derby, Footynaija.com reports.
The Norwegian manager, whose side will host the defending champions at the Tüpraş Stadyumu, is determined to neutralize Osimhen, who has been a nightmare for defenders this season.
With key defensive absentees, Solskjaer has placed his trust in Turkish centre-back Emirhan Topçu to shadow the Nigerian forward throughout the contest.
According to Fotomac, Besiktas focused heavily on defensive drills in their latest training sessions, with Solskjaer personally briefing Topçu on his role. The 24-year-old, who has been an ever-present in Besiktas’ backline this season, is tasked with sticking tight to Osimhen and preventing him from getting into dangerous areas.
Victor Osimhen (26) hat-trick alert!
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) March 14, 2025
What a season he’s having for Galatasaray: 26 goals + 5 assists so far. pic.twitter.com/gnQ5j9z5d4
Topçu, a summer signing from Rizespor for €3.4 million, has made 22 league appearances this term, more than any other Besiktas defender except DR Congo’s Arthur Masuaku.
He played 85 minutes in the reverse fixture, where Osimhen found the net in Galatasaray’s 2-1 win. This time, however, he has been given explicit instructions to suffocate the Nigerian’s movement.
Osimhen, though, is in unstoppable form. Since his sensational loan move from Napoli, the 25-year-old has netted 20 goals in 22 league appearances, spearheading Galatasaray’s title charge. His current form is frightening — nine goals in his last five games, including a hat-trick against Antalyaspor and a brace for Nigeria against Rwanda.
Quick, powerful, and ruthless in front of goal, Osimhen thrives on playing off defenders’ shoulders and exploiting gaps in the backline. If Topçu fails to keep him quiet, Besiktas could face a long night.
