Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen has been named in the latest World Team of the Week after delivering another decisive performance for Galatasaray during their Turkish Süper Lig title-clinching victory at the weekend, Soccernet.ng reports.
According to statistics platform Flashscore, the Super Eagles forward was rated the best-performing centre-forward in world football for the week with a score of 9.1 after inspiring Galatasaray to a dramatic 4-2 comeback win over Antalyaspor in Istanbul.
The match turned into a celebration night for Galatasaray as they secured a record-extending 26th Turkish league crown with one fixture still left to play.
Osimhen was at the centre of the drama from start to finish. The Super Eagles forward scored twice in the second half after Galatasaray had fallen behind on two different occasions. With the score at 2-1 against the champions-elect, Osimhen won a penalty in the 66th minute before calmly sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to restore parity.
Then, with the home fans already on edge as the game approached full time, the 27-year-old popped up again in the 88th minute. After a low delivery from Noa Lang caused panic inside the Antalyaspor penalty area, Osimhen reacted quickest to poke home the winning goal and spark wild celebrations inside Rams Park.
Despite the heroic display, the game also highlighted the chaotic side of the striker’s performance. Statistics from WhoScored showed that Osimhen was caught offside six times and also missed six efforts from his nine shots overall.
Yet, when Galatasaray needed composure and leadership in the defining moments of the season, the former Napoli forward delivered again.
The brace moved him onto 15 league goals in 21 appearances this season, placing him alongside Mauro Icardi as the attacking heartbeat of Okan Buruk’s title-winning side. More importantly, the victory sealed a fourth straight league title for Galatasaray and guaranteed automatic qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League group stage.
Messi, Doku and Fred join Osimhen in World XI
Osimhen was not the only star performer included in the global selection. Lionel Messi once again led the headlines after another masterclass for Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer.
The Argentine icon received the highest rating in the entire team with a stunning 9.8 after scoring once and providing two assists in Inter Miami’s 4-2 victory over Toronto FC. Messi now has 12 league goals in just 11 matches this season as he continues to dominate in the United States ahead of next year’s World Cup.
Over in England, Jeremy Doku earned a place in attack after another explosive performance for Manchester City during their 3-0 victory over Brentford. The Belgian winger scored a magnificent curling effort in the 60th minute and terrorised defenders throughout the game with eight successful dribbles.
Doku is now enjoying one of the best runs of form of his City career at a crucial stage of the season.
Turkey’s title race also produced another standout performer in former Manchester United midfielder Fred. The Brazilian scored twice as Fenerbahçe defeated Konyaspor 3-0 to secure Champions League football despite missing out on the league crown to Galatasaray.
Elsewhere, Ivan Perišić rolled back the years with a brace for PSV Eindhoven in their 4-1 victory over Go Ahead Eagles, while RB Leipzig captain Willi Orbán starred in defence during a Champions League-clinching win against St Pauli.
The team also featured Brighton defender Maxim De Cuyper, Al Ettifaq playmaker Alvaro Medran, PSG youngster Senny Mayulu, Genclerbirligi centre-back Dimitros Goutas and Alanyaspor goalkeeper Victor Paulo.