Basaksehir Signing Alican Ozfesli Believes His Playing Style Is Similar To Mesut Ozil

Mesut Ozil Arsenal
LISBON, PORTUGAL - OCTOBER 25: Mesut Ozil of Arsenal FC warms up during the UEFA Europa League Group E match between Sporting CP and Arsenal at Estadio Jose Alvalade on October 25, 2018 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Basaksehir summer arrival Alican Ozfesli revealed that his playing style is similar to Mesut Ozil in his first interview as a player for the Istanbul based outfit.

“My style of play is similar to Mesut Ozil,” Ozfesli told AA journalist Hilmi Sever.

“I see myself as sharing similar traits with Mesut Ozil but I definitely run more.”

Ozil was born in Germany and was a German international but he is of Turkish origin and a big star in Turkey.

Ozfesli also revealed that he feels he is following in the footsteps of his former Altinordu teammate Cengiz Under.

Under made a name for himself at Basaksehir before being snapped up by Roma just one season after leaving Altinordu.

Ozfesli grew up with Under rising through the Altinordu youth ranks with the Turkey international star.

“My friend Cengiz also played for Basaksehir and developed here,” he added.

“Basaksehir has a system and that is important to me. I came here to develop my game like Cengiz did and eventually want to play in Europe like him as well.” 

Ozfesli and Under both joined Altinordu aged 10 and progressed through the youth teams together.

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The 22-year-old midfielder joined Basaksehir last season but was loaned back to Altinordu for one-season as part of the deal.

The Turkey U21 international scored three goals and provided one assist for the Izmir based side last season.

Basaksehir finished last term as runners-up and will face Olympiakos in the Champions League third-round playoff.