'Man of the match' - Ex-Besiktas chief hails Galatasaray's Gabon star for keeping Onuachu quiet

Former Beşiktaş sporting director Onder Ozen has praised Gabon international Mario Lemina for his outstanding performance during Galatasaray's goalless draw with Trabzonspor in the Turkish SUper Lig last weekend.

With Davinson Sánchez unavailable through suspension, Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk opted to deploy Lemina in an unfamiliar centre-back role.

Despite operating outside his natural midfield position, the Gabon star delivered a composed and intelligent display, showcasing the tactical awareness and versatility.

Trabzonspor's towering forward Paul Onuachu, who has been in prolific form this season, was kept unusually quiet throughout the contest.

The Nigerian striker failed to register a single shot on target, an indication that Lemina decisively won their individual battle.

Ozen was full of praise for Lemina's display, particularly highlighting his handling of Onuachu, a striker renowned for his aerial prowess.

"The man of the match was Lemina. A superb performance, and he played in a position he is not an expert in," Ozen was quoted as saying by habersarikirmizi.com.

"Lemina managed the distance between Onuachu and him very well.”

Ozen added: "As a midfielder, he stayed at an optimal distance from a player with great aerial control and played with almost flawless tactical discipline. 

"I found his distance adjustment flawless, and he easily put Galatasaray forward.”

Onuachu, who has scored seven goals in eleven league appearances this season, remains the joint-top scorer in the Süper Lig.

With the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers playoffs fast approaching, Onuachu could soon renew acquaintances with Lemina if both are called up for the high-stakes clash between Nigeria and Gabon.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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