2. Experience
The pressure and expectations put on the major clubs in Turkey has to be seen to be believed. West Ham boss Slaven Bilic recently stated that his experience in Turkey is an important factor behind his form against the toughest sides in the Premier League. The Hammers beat Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City away this season but Bilic failed to win a single derby during his time at the Black Eagles. “I always remember the Istanbul derbies and what went wrong, whenever we face the giants in England I refer back to those big games in Turkey,” Bilic told Fanatik. Ozyakup has gained valuable experience being a key player at a club that challenge for the league title every season and that have had important victories in Europe against Liverpool and of course Arsenal rivals Tottenham. Not to mention being part of the first Turkish side to beat Porto in European competition and then making history again becoming the first Super Lig side to win their opening two Champions League games. As things stand Besiktas are first in Group G and stand a very good chance of progressing to the next round.
