Turkish wonderkids Yasin Ozcan, Emre Gokay and Yunus Emre Konak made the Guardian newspaper ‘Next Generation 2023: 60 of the best young talents in world football‘ list.
Emre Sarigul of Turkish-Football was responsible for the selection of Ozcan, Gokay and Konak who have all made the progression from youth to Super Lig football. over the past season.
READ: Three Turkish wonderkids make Guardian Next Generation 2022 list
Unlike many young talents the difference with Yunus Emre is that he is already a first team star for Sivasspor.
Over the years so many promising talents have failed to make the transition from youth to professional football.
Yunus Emre has already made that transition. He has started all eight games this season for Sivasspor as the first-choice defensive midfielder.
It is rare to see such a young player in such a challenging position but the 17-year-old has done a stellar job so far.
Gokay emerged from the Sivasspor U17 side which swept all opposition aside in the youth championships.
The young winger was the player of the tournament and like Yunus Emre has also been promoted to the senior team.
Unlike Yunus Emre he has not played as regularly yet but is a really exciting attacking player and is bound to get his chance as the season progresses.
There is a strong Sivas theme this year with two Sivasspor players and Ozcan. How is Ozcan connected? well his family hail from the city and his shirt number is a reflection of that. 58 is the area code of Sivas.
Like Yunus Emre he has already broke into the team and is playing first team football as a centre-back and left-back.