Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has placed 2023 African Player of the Year Victor Osimhen alongside Manchester City striker Erling Haaland among the most powerful forwards in the world inside the penalty area.

 Jesus made the comparison while discussing Haaland’s influence ahead of Portugal’s second UEFA Nations League fixture against Norway at the Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo on Sunday, with the tournament holders eventually securing a 2-1 victory.

 “Haaland is the most physically and technically powerful player inside the box,” Jesus said.

 “Outside the area, he isn’t quite as dominant, even though he is fast. But inside the box, for me, he and Osimhen are the strongest in the world.”

 Haaland scored Norway’s only goal in the encounter, taking his international tally to 65 goals in 57 appearances for his country at the age of 26.

 The Norwegian and Osimhen share several attributes in their playing styles. Both are physically imposing forwards who excel in the air, possess ruthless finishing ability and have demonstrated strong mental resilience in difficult situations.

 Haaland, however, holds the advantage in overall goalscoring numbers. The Manchester City forward has scored 371 goals for club and country, compared with Osimhen’s 214.

 Fitness and availability have also been a notable difference between the two strikers. Osimhen has endured recurring injury problems during his career and is currently sidelined with another setback, while Haaland has generally enjoyed greater consistency in terms of fitness and match availability.

 Despite their differences, both forwards have established themselves as elite goalscorers and remain prominent figures among the leading strikers of their generation.