While Turkey may have fallen off the international radar since reaching the 2002 World Cup semi-final against Brazil, they are still producing some outstanding talent. Players such as Galatasaray's Arda Turan, Fenerbahce's Semih Senturk and Bursaspor's Ozan Ipek have all attracted interest from some of the biggest teams across Europe. Only this summer the instrumental Nuri Şahin transferred from Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid for a fee of €10 million after a fine season. Indeed, some of Germany's new guard on the international scene are of Turkish decent such as İlkay Gündoğan and the impressive Mesut Özil. It is with this we look at some of Turkey's rising stars currently causing headwaves.
First up is 16-year-old Muhammed Demirci who has been earmarked as the most talented prospect to emerge from Turkey in years, and some have earmarked him as a star in the making on the world scene. Mature beyond his years, Demirci is technically excellent with blistering pace and an eye for goal. Turkish giants Beşiktaş have already penned him on a professional contract which runs until June 2013 after gaining interest from the European vultures of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Arsenal and Manchester United. Hailed as the Diego Maradona of Turkey, Demirci is one of Europe's hottest properties and has already represented Turkey up to Under-19 level having starred for the U15's and U16's where he scored 5 goals in 8 games. A versatile player
Demirci The Turkish Lionel Messi
he is able to play as an attacking midfielder or as a second striker. He made he first team debut for Beşiktaş against Gaziantep Belediyespor on 3 March 2011.
19 year-old Kamil Çörekçi is a right-back who was recently named in the Uefa Team of the Tournament for his performances at the 2011 European Under-19 Football Championships held in Romania. A former product of Fulham's youth academy, Çörekçi transferred from Millwall to Bucaspor at the beginning of the 2010-2011 season. Having started the season in the reserves, Çörekçi made his debut in November 2010 in a 1-0 victory over Antalyaspor and quickly established himself as part of the first team. At the Under-19 European Championships it was his performance in a 3-0 win over Spain which most caught the eye after creating the first goal and scoring the second. Emre Çolak is a 20 year-old left winger who is nicknamed 'Small Diamond' for his diminutive figure and immense potential. Çolak who currently plays for Galatasaray quickly rose through the ranks and was promoted to the first team at the end of the 2009/10 season after scoring an incredible 26 goals in 44 appearances. A regular at international youth level, Çolak has been capped by Turkey's Under-21s. An excellent set-piece taker, Çolak is quick and has exceptional dribbling skills. He will be looking to challenge for a spot in the senior international setup within the next year. Last but not least is 18 year-old Okan Alkan who is a winger turned attacking full-back. Such is the promise of the pacey teenager, that he was picked out by Roberto Carlos for praise. An intelligent and energetic player, Alkan is great at getting forward and putting crossed into the box. A regular at Under-19 level for Turkey, Alkan was sent to Kayserispor on loan after Serdar Kesimal was transferred to Fenerbahce.
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