Qualified for Euro 2024, Turkish football hopes to finally see a return to form. If its clubs are performing well in Europe this season like Galatasaray in the Champions League or Fenerbahçe in the Europa Conference League, the selection remains with chaotic performances during Euro 2016 and recently Euro 2020. Two good fiascos far from the performances of the semi-finals of the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2008. Equipped with a good formation like Çağlar Söyüncü (Atlético), Zeki Çelik (AS Roma), Hakan Calhanoglu (Inter Milan) or Yusuf Yazici (Lille), Turkey has clearly rejuvenated its ranks and among the latest new faces, we can note that of Kenan Yildiz.
Mentioned by us during Euro U17 2022 which he played with Turkey, the native of Regensburg could have just as easily played for Germany or Turkey. Favoring his nation of origin, the attacker explained to Bild that Germany had never really taken the temperature for him: “My mother is German, my father is Turkish. Germany never approached me, never contacted me. I would have responded to an inquiry, but there was no call from the DFB.” German coach Julian Nagelsmann respected his choice: “It’s not a question of convincing the player to do it. This is a very personal decision whose motivations cannot be assessed by an outsider.”
He traumatized Germany
Trained at Bayern Munich, Kenan Yildiz is a complete attacker who can play in all offensive positions for his team. Having both feet, he surprised by leaving Bavaria in the summer of 2022 for Juventus in order to sign his first professional contract (June 2027). When it became clear that I wanted to move, Hasan Salihamidzic and Marco Neppe contacted my management and made even more intense efforts. They really wanted to keep me. But it was time to move away from Munich, the best option was to move to Turin, the player explained to Sports Bild. Excellent last year with the reserve where he scored no less than 15 goals and delivered 7 offerings in 45 matches, Kenan Yildiz continued to shine in Serie C with the youngsters of Vecchia Signora and has 1 goal and 1 offering in 5 matches. Integrated into the professional group, he only made 5 appearances and 36 minutes of play with Juventus.
A big fan of Alessandro Del Piero, the striker who has both feet has been mentioned on loan to Benfica, Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe and Trabzonspor. Yes, but Juventus is absolutely counting on him and does not want to let him go. In any case, his coach Massimiliano Allegri believes enormously in him. “I am sure that Kenan Yıldız will become a wonderful, high-level player. It will happen one day. It’s hard to find a player who can control the ball like he does. He always remains calm” explained the Italian technician last October. Technically gifted, intelligent in his game and cool in front of goal, Kenan Yildiz has a complete profile which convinced Turkey coach Vincenzo Montella to start him on October 12 against Croatia (1-0). Recalled in November, he was finally able to start with the A selection, which he has still not yet done with the Juventus first team. And as luck would have it, it was against… Germany.
A meeting where he burst the screen with in particular a love of control followed by a missile in the top corner to score 2-1 in a 3-2 victory. After the meeting, his coach Vincenzo Montella was rave: “Kenan Yıldız is a very intelligent player and because he is intelligent, there is a good chance that he will be a good player in the long term.” He was living awake: “Thank you to everyone who trusted me. I am very happy to contribute to this victory by scoring a goal. I also thank my coach Vincenzo Montella. Montella is very good at motivation. He is also a very good person in terms of character. Before the match he told me: “Don’t worry, play your own football, you are very good, play calmly.” The latest discovery in Turkish football, Kenan Yildiz is turning everything around and Wales, whom he faces this Tuesday, has been warned. Whether it is Turkey or Juventus, the emergence of this 18-year-old gem makes both teams happy.
