Former Italy and Chelsea striker Gianfranco Zola says he had no knowledge of Napoli Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen before his record breaking move to the Serie A side.
The former coach of West Ham in an interview monitored by OwnGoalNigeria.comeditorial team said he now knows the Nigerian and sees him as a talented players who can only get better with time as he is still young.
He sees the forward as the heir to Chelsea record signing from Inter Milan Romelu Lukaku as they share several similarities in the way that they play.
Osimhen has been on fire in the last two games with a brace against Leicester City in the Europa League before scoring his first Serie A goal to propel Napoli to their fourth consecutive win in the first four games of the season.
Zola praised the set up of the Napoli team singling out Osimhen as one who can succeed the legacy of Lukaku who had two happy seasons in Italy, helping Inter Milan to the league title last season.
Napoli are really strong in every department,” Zola, a former Partenopei striker told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“They have Osimhen, Insigne and Politano up front, they quality in midfield, a solid defence with Kalidou Koulibaly and two reliable goalkeepers. I can’t see weak points in their team.
“I didn’t know Osimhen when he arrived last year, but I’ve studied him a little and I’ve discovered a talented player.
“His movements are so good and his athletic strength can be devastating. He is Lukaku’s heir, he is still young and with room for improvement.”