Liverpool icon, Steve Nicol has asserted that the Reds should not be regarded as the overwhelming favourite in their UEFA Champions League match against Galatasaray.
He highlighted the danger posed by Nigerian forward, Victor Osimhen.
Galatasaray enters the crucial match with a slight edge after achieving a 1–0 win in the first leg at RAMS Park.
Although Osimhen did not score, he consistently posed an attacking threat for the Yellow-Reds during the game.
His impact was clear when he seemed to have increased the lead, only for the goal to be disallowed for offside by the official.
In an interview with ESPN FC, Nicol expressed confusion over why Liverpool continues to be perceived as the favourite despite their recent difficulties and the inclusion of Osimhen in the Galatasaray lineup.
“Liverpool have just capitulated against what is currently the worst team in the Premier League,” Nicol remarked.
“And they are 1-nil down to Galatasaray, who have a player like Osimhen upfront, capable of winning any match single-handedly with a moment of magic and brilliance.
“I cannot comprehend how Liverpool can be such a significant favorite after what we witnessed over the weekend.”
Osimhen has emerged as one of the key players in this season’s UEFA Champions League, netting seven goals and providing three assists in nine matches for the Turkish side.
The former African Footballer of the Year also scored when Galatasaray triumphed over Liverpool earlier in the league stage, further emphasizing his significance to the squad.
As the second leg approaches at Anfield, Osimhen will be eager to maintain his remarkable form and lead Galatasaray to another favorable outcome as they strive for a historic advancement to the next stage of Europe’s premier club tournament.