Liverpool icon Michael Owen insists Osimhen has to work more to justify price tag after display v Barcelona

Liverpool legend Michael Owen has insisted that a lot more was expected from Osimhen during Napoli's 1-1 draw with Barcelona at the Diego Maradona Stadium on Wednesday night.

After Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring for Barcelona on the hour mark, Osimhen restored parity fifteen minutes later when he turned his marker expertly and guided his low strike into the net.

Owen expressed disappointment, noting that Osimhen hasn't replicated his impressive form from last season, where he played a pivotal role in Napoli clinching their first Serie A title in 33 years with 26 goals.

Amid rumors linking the reigning African Footballer of the Year with a potential move to the Premier League and valued at around £100 million, Owen stressed the necessity for Osimhen to work more to justify such a hefty price tag.

"Every time I looked at the screen, I was flicking between both games. He gave the ball away an awful lot.  Martínez was probably at fault there for the goal, why he had to dive in," Owen said on TNT Sports in his post-match analysis.

"The finish as well in the middle of the goal, I don't know why Marc-André ter Stegen was going and guessing that way.

"I would agree. People talking about 100m pounds. I want to say he has to return to what he was doing last season."

Osimhen, who had fitness issues before the game, was replaced shortly after scoring his ninth career goal in the Champions League.

The 25-year-old has been nominated for the Champions League Goal of the Week and faces competition from Robert Lewandowski, Donyell Malen and Galeno to win the accolade.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit: uefa.com

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com