Turkish football pundit Özden Ayvaz has praised Trabzonspor striker Paul Onuachu as a “great goalscorer” despite acknowledging that the Nigerian forward is currently struggling for form.
Ayvaz questioned Onuachu’s continued involvement after the striker was left on the bench for Trabzonspor’s emphatic 4-0 victory over Galatasaray in the Turkish Super Lig.
“Onuachu is a great goalscorer, but the truth is he’s out of form… Is there a clause in his contract that says he has to play in every match?” Ayvaz said during the Sports Hour programme, as reported by 61saat.
Onuachu was introduced in the second half after Trabzonspor had already established control of the encounter. The victory was particularly impressive as Galatasaray entered the match as league leaders, although they were without injured Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen.
Galatasaray’s task became even more difficult after Lesley Ugochukwu was sent off following a VAR review, leaving the visitors with 10 men.
Despite questioning his current form, Ayvaz was quick to highlight Onuachu’s qualities in front of goal, as well as his positive attitude and enthusiasm whenever he takes the field.
“He really is a great goalscorer. He came into the game with great enthusiasm and a smile. I really like Onuachu’s goalscoring ability and his demeanour on the field,” Ayvaz added.
The Nigerian striker has found goals harder to come by this season, scoring twice in eight appearances for Trabzonspor. Both goals came in the club’s 5-0 victory over Genclerbirligi.
Ayvaz also revealed that some of his friends in Istanbul, who are close to Fenerbahçe president Aziz Yıldırım, have jokingly suggested that Trabzonspor should hand over the Nigerian striker.
“We have close friends in Istanbul who are close to Aziz Yıldırım. They jokingly tell me: ‘Just give us Onuachu…’ They know the value of our players much better than we do,” he said.
Onuachu was omitted from Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming fixtures against Mozambique and Guinea-Bissau and will now have the international break to regroup before returning to club action.
The striker will be hoping to rediscover the scoring touch that made him a key attacking figure for Trabzonspor and strengthen his case for a return to the Super Eagles.
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