NAPOLI coach Luciano Spalletti and captain Dries Mertens have both praised Nigeria international, Victor Osimhen.

The forward has been in scintillating form since the beginning of the season despite the little hiccups he suffered after he was sent off in the club’s first game of the season.

He would go on to miss the Partenopei second league game of the 2021/22 campaign as he served a match suspension. But since his return, Osimhen has been in an impressive form and has scored nine goals in 10 matches, with the latest his goal scored against Legia Warsaw on Thursday during their Europa League game.

The Super Eagles striker came off the bench to help the Italian side secured their first win in Group C as they defeated their opponents 3-0.

According to Football Italia, Spalleti described Osimhen as a great professional who is eager to learn.

“He (Osimhen) is accustomed to galloping in wide-open spaces, so coming back to get the ball or support his teammate and then make the run are things he is still learning.

“He’s a great professional, a lovely guy who is eager to learn and improve.

“His teammates adore him, he wants to be with them all the time and we’re very fortunate to have him.

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“When you have so many attacking players, we can seek variations and try new ways to break down the opposition. With Osimhen, Mertens, and Insigne on the field, it becomes easier to find that moment of magic.

“We maintained the balance anyway, Elmas worked so hard, and when you have this attitude in your players, it becomes simple for a coach.

“I am very happy, I think it’s difficult to play better than we did tonight. At least the players gave a response to anyone suggesting Napoli don’t care about the Europa League.”

Echoing his manager’s word, Mertens also admitted that Osimhen is eager to learn despite his early setbacks.

“Osimhen arrived last season and had a few difficulties settling, he also had injury problems, so I tried to help him. He’s a smart lad who wants to listen and learn,” Mertens told Football Italia.

“I give him all the love in the world,”he added.