According to a report by Daily Post on Wednesday November 4, 2026, former Watford striker Troy Deeney has compared Nigerian international Victor Osimhen to Chelsea legend Didier Drogba, praising the Galatasaray forward's physical strength, work rate and ability to cause problems for opposition defenders.

Deeney believes Osimhen possesses several qualities that made Drogba one of the most difficult strikers to defend against during his playing career, particularly his ability to occupy an entire defensive line while also creating opportunities for his teammates.

The Nigerian striker has continued to establish himself as one of the most dangerous forwards in European football since joining Galatasaray, where his performances have attracted considerable attention.

Before Galatasaray's UEFA Champions League encounter against Stuttgart on Tuesday evening, Osimhen had already scored nine goals in domestic competitions.

Although the 2023 African Footballer of the Year failed to find the back of the net against the German side, Galatasaray secured an impressive 2-0 victory at Rams Park.

Aleksey Batrakov scored twice in the first half to give the Turkish champions all three points.

Speaking before the encounter, Deeney was asked what impressed him most about Osimhen and explained that the striker's contribution should not be measured by his goals alone.

The former Watford captain told CBS Sports Golazo that the Nigerian's work rate and ability to trouble defenders were among his biggest strengths.

"People will look at the goals. I look at his work rate. The ability to work that whole backline on his own," Deeney said.

He then compared the Galatasaray striker to former Chelsea forward Drogba, explaining that both players possess the ability to occupy defenders and create difficulties for opposing teams.

"He plays one upfront, very similar to Didier Drogba in the fact that he occupies the whole backline, but what he also gives is that he runs in behind," he added.

Deeney also praised Osimhen's movement, link-up play and willingness to make runs into the channels, explaining that these qualities make him a complete attacking threat.

"He gives you that threat to show, link-up play is really strong, also willing to run the channels on his own," he continued.

The comparison with Drogba is significant considering the former Ivory Coast international's reputation as one of the Premier League's most dominant centre-forwards.

During his time at Chelsea, Drogba became famous for his physical presence, ability to hold up the ball, aerial strength and capacity to deliver in important matches.

He was also particularly effective at bringing teammates into attacking situations and creating space for other players through his movement.

Osimhen has demonstrated similar characteristics at Galatasaray, using his strength, speed and aggressive attacking movement to make life uncomfortable for opposition defenders.

The Nigerian is also known for his willingness to press defenders and continue working for his team even when he is not directly involved in scoring opportunities.

His ability to occupy defenders, stretch defensive lines and create opportunities for teammates gives the Turkish champions another attacking dimension.

With Osimhen continuing to make an impact in domestic competitions and the Champions League, the comparison with Drogba represents another major recognition of his qualities as a centre-forward.