Mertens predicts ‘pretty good’ Osimhen will get better

NAPOLI forward Dries Mertens has hailed new signing Victor Osimhen, although the Belgian has had to adapt to a new role in order to accommodate the Nigerian.

The Belgium international will face AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League on Thursday, having previously scored five goals against them, including a hat-trick for FC Utrecht in 2011.

“I was a kid then and I am no longer the same person who scored a hat-trick for Utrecht against PSV. Italy and Napoli changed me,” Mertens told Sky Sport Italia on Wednesday.

He went from winger to centre-forward and now into a new deeper role behind €80m signing, Super Eagles striker Osimhen.

“I am still getting used to this role, but I am enjoying myself. I like training, the coach asks for a lot from us and we can see our performances improving.

“I am not surprised Osimhen is doing so well, as if you pay that much money for a player, it means he must be pretty good… The truth is, he has the potential to grow a great deal.”

Osimhen has been impressive in the centre forward role since arriving at Napoli, scoring his first Serie A goal last weekend.