Ajax coach John Heitinga calls Victor Osimhen Galatasaray’s top player ahead of Champions League clash, urging tactical focus in Amsterdam

Ajax head coach John Heitinga has singled out Victor Osimhen as the Nigerian striker to watch ahead of their UEFA Champions League Group Stage clash against Galatasaray in Amsterdam on Wednesday.

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“He is very strong, fast, and has excellent physique. In my opinion, he is Galatasaray’s best player,” Heitinga told the media, comparing Osimhen to legends Didier Drogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Heitinga emphasized the importance of tactical discipline and maintaining possession to counter Galatasaray’s speed: “We must not give them too much space. We must not lose the ball. If we have more possession, we can stop their fast players.”

Despite Ajax’s recent struggles at the bottom of the group standings, the coach expressed optimism: “We want to see ourselves higher in the standings. We hope to earn points and play well at home. Our fans will motivate us.”

The Dutch side has prepared carefully, reviewing Galatasaray’s previous matches, including their notable home victory over Liverpool.

Heitinga stressed the need for consistency and strong first-half performances: “We constantly face difficulties at the beginning of matches. If we want to win, we need to play in harmony and not concede early.”

Squad updates revealed a mix of returns and absences. Kasper Dolberg is back earlier than expected, while Steven Berghuis and Branco van den Boomen remain unavailable due to injury and recovery.

Ajax and Galatasaray last met in the UEFA Europa League, where Ajax won 2–1.

Heitinga believes the team has evolved since then but acknowledges Galatasaray as a strong opponent: “They are a very good team. We need to show we can win tomorrow.”

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The match at Johan Cruyff Arena presents Ajax with the opportunity to earn their first points of the Champions League campaign and climb out of the group’s lower ranks.