Hakan Çalhanoğlu

Any list of future Turkish stars lacks credibility without the new golden boy of Turkish football on it. Many are already of the belief Turkey’s national team should be built around Hakan Çalhanoğlu already, and not current superstar Arda Turan. Çalhanoğlu has all the attributes required to become one of the top central midfielders in world football, from his playmaking and creative instincts, to hard work and determination.

He has excellent fitness levels, technique and is capable already, even at 21-years-old, of controlling a team. This has been shown with his string of stunning performances for Bayer Leverkusen, both in the Bundesliga and Champions League. The big clubs are already said to be tracking the player and it’s no surprise. He has aspects of Arda in his game, with the drive and attitude, but also the likes of Luka Modric with his scintillating ability with the ball at his feet. Few in Europe currently pack a more stinging shot than Çalhanoğlu’s right boot does too.