Fenerbahçe Coach Plots Special Plan To Stop Victor Osimhen In Galatasaray Derby

Fenerbahçe head coach İsmail Kartal is reportedly considering a surprise defensive reshuffle to neutralise Nigerian international Victor Osimhen when his side face Galatasaray in Monday’s highly anticipated Istanbul derby.

The two Turkish giants will clash at Galatasaray’s home ground on October 26 in a crucial Week 9 encounter of the Turkish Süper Lig, with Fenerbahçe seeking a solution to the absence of injured Dutch defender Nathan Aké.

According to Turkish sports outlet NTV Spor, Kartal has identified two potential replacements for Aké, with the primary consideration being how to contain Osimhen’s pace, movement and dangerous runs behind the opposition defence.

One option under consideration is deploying Archie Brown as a left-sided centre-back, an unfamiliar role that could provide Fenerbahçe with additional speed in their defensive line.

Kartal reportedly believes Brown’s acceleration and recovery pace could prove valuable in tracking Osimhen, whose ability to exploit space behind defenders remains one of his most dangerous attacking weapons.

Should the coach adopt that approach, Levent Mercan would be drafted into the starting line-up at left-back, allowing Brown to move into central defence.

The alternative is to hand Ghanaian defender Oppong the responsibility of partnering the established centre-back in Aké’s absence.

However, that option comes with concerns following Oppong’s performance after replacing Aké during Fenerbahçe’s UEFA Champions League encounter against Slavia Prague.

The Ghanaian reportedly failed to impress during his appearance, raising questions about whether he would be the ideal candidate to handle the physical and attacking threat posed by Osimhen.

If Kartal decides to select Oppong in central defence, Brown would retain his regular position at left-back.