Former Trabzonspor coach Yılmaz Vural has delivered a scathing verdict on Mauro Icard's ability to make a real impact at Galatasaray, claiming the Argentine striker cannot match the influence of Nigeria international Victor Osimhen.

Before Osimhen’s arrival, Icardi was Galatasaray's main striker, but his role has since diminished, leaving him down the pecking order with only five league starts this season.

With Osimhen struggling with fitness issues this season, Icardi has returned to the spotlight. 

His tally of seven goals makes him Galatasaray's second-highest scorer in the Süper Lig, behind only Barış Alper Yılmaz, who has netted eight.

While Osimhen is renowned for his explosive pace, physical strength and relentless work rate, Icardi, at 32, lacks the endurance and physical presence required of a top striker.

Emphasising the contrast between the two forwards, Vural remarked that Icardi is incapable of delivering performances on par with the Nigerian international.

"Icardi will never be an Osimhen, he will never be able to contribute as much," Vural said on the SkySpor Youtube channel, via habersarikirmizi.com.

"He doesn't have the physical strength he used to have. It's not enough for a team with such ambitious goals like Galatasaray."

Osimhen has tallied nine goals in twelve all-competition appearances so far this season. 

The 26-year-old suffered an injury on Super Eagles duty earlier this month and will undergo a fitness test before Monday's Intercontinental Derby against Fenerbahce.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel