Former Beşiktaş representative Sinan Engin has cast doubt on Mauro Icardi’s current effectiveness in the wake of Galatasaray’s 2-1 loss to Trabzonspor this past Saturday. While analyzing the fallout from the clash at Papara Park, Engin contrasted the Argentine’s struggles with the dominant display of Paul Onuachu, who proved instrumental in securing the points for the home side alongside fellow Nigerian Chibuike Nwaiwu.
The “Yellow-Reds” entered the match missing the services of their injured talisman, Victor Osimhen, a void that became increasingly apparent as the game progressed. Despite a goal from Wilfried Singo, the Istanbul giants appeared to lack their usual clinical edge, further fueling a narrative regarding the team’s over-reliance on Osimhen’s presence to maintain tactical consistency at the top of the table.
During an appearance on the Asist Analiz YouTube platform, Engin offered a blunt assessment of Icardi’s inability to dictate the tempo of high-stakes encounters. He specifically rejected the notion that a lack of service from the midfield should excuse a world-class forward from exerting his influence on the pitch.
“With Icardi, things are unlikely to succeed. Galatasaray supporters need to come to terms with reality. I am also a fan of Icardi, but there is this ongoing joke about ‘the ball isn’t getting to me’ in a high-level match,” Engin remarked, as documented by habersarikirmizi. He further suggested that the squad’s deficiencies extend beyond the attack, noting, “They require defenders who are willing to fight and put in the effort.”
Engin utilized Onuachu’s performance as a benchmark for what is expected of a leading striker in the Turkish top flight, questioning why Icardi could not replicate that level of involvement. He concluded by emphasizing that Galatasaray’s title hopes remain inextricably linked to Victor Osimhen, suggesting the squad owes its competitive standing to the Nigerian’s contributions.
“How does Onuachu manage it? If Galatasaray emerges as champions at the end of the season, the team should unite and present Osimhen with a significant gift. Galatasaray without Osimhen is merely an average team,” he asserted, highlighting the stark contrast in the team’s performance levels when their star forward is absent.
