Osimhen needs another striker to get better at Napoli - Ruud Krol

Former Egypt national team coach Ruud Krol has suggested that Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen needs a striking partner to be more effective up front.

Krol noted the Napoli striker could improve his goal scoring tally for the Serie A club if he gets help from another striker in the team.

Osimhen is the first-choice striker and leading goal scorer for Napoli as the Luciano Spalletti-led side chase a first Serie A title in 32 years.

In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport via 100x100napoli, Krol hailed Spalletti's influence on the team but admitted that they have dropped off as the season rumbles to an end. 

Krol, who has coached over 10 African clubs, also stated his love for Osimhen, particularly hailing the Super Eagles striker's ability with his head and pace.

Krol said: "I like Spalletti's football. Napoli played very well at the start of the season, they were spectacular, but now they don't look like the same team.

"For example, I like Osimhen a lot but, in my opinion, anyone who thinks he is a counter-attacker is wrong. He is very strong in the head and faster than everyone in the area."

Krol went further to state that the former Lille striker would be more effective and score more goals if he played alongside another striker. 

The former Zamalek coach suggested that Dries Mertens would be a good fit in the starting line-up alongside Osimhen at Napoli.

"If he played with another striker next to him, I'm sure he would score more," Krol asserted.

"Mertens? I recommended him to the club when he was at PSV and he remains a very strong player. Dries could give a good hand upfront."

Osimhen has hit 16 goals and five (5) assists in 27 appearances for Napoli across all competitions so far this season. 

Mertens on the other hand has recorded 10 goals and two (2) assists in 32 matches for the Neapolitans this season.

Both players will aim to drag Napoli from a mini-slump that has seen them fail to pick up maximum points from their last two matches against Fiorentina and Roma. 

Osimhen won the Serie A Player of the Month Award for March for his consecutive match-winning braces against Hellas Verona and Udinese in the league.