Vincenzo Montella has made a strong start as Turkey’s manager, with three wins and a draw in his first four games, including a memorable 3-2 victory over Germany.
Now, he faces the task of selecting his 23-man squad for the upcoming European Championship in Germany.
READ: Who is Arda Guler? The 18-year-old ‘Turkish Messi’ Wanted by Europe’s Biggest Clubs
Goalkeepers:
Mert Gunok (Besiktas): Has emerged as a serious contender for the starting spot with his impressive Super Lig performances.
Uğurcan Çakır (Trabzonspor): Remains the number one for now, but faces competition from Gunok.
Altay Bayındır (Manchester United): Struggling for playing time at club level, his Euros prospects seem uncertain.
Defenders:
Zeki Celik (Roma): A reliable option at right-back.
Mert Muldur (Sassuolo): Likely to start at left-back if Montella opts for a four-man defense.
Ozan Kabak (Hoffenheim): Back in form after a good season, solidifying his central defensive position.
Çağlar Söyüncü (Fenerbahce on loan from Leicester City): Faces competition for a starting spot after a challenging season.
Merih Demiral (Al-Ittihad): Playing in a less competitive league could hinder his chances.
Ahmetcan Kaplan (Ajax): A promising young center-back pushing for selection.
Cenk Özkacar (Valencia): Another rising star in central defense.
Midfielders:
Hakan Çalhanoğlu (Inter Milan): The most experienced player (82 caps) and a guaranteed starter in midfield.
Orkun Kökçü (Benfica): Expected to partner Çalhanoğlu in central midfield.
Salih Özcan (Borussia Dortmund): Offers a strong tackling presence in midfield.
Arda Güler (Real Madrid): Exciting young talent who could be a breakout star despite injuries this season.
Forwards:
Enes Ünal (Bournemouth on loan from Getafe): Likely the main striker after Burak Yılmaz’s retirement.
Kenan Yildiz (Juventus): Frontrunner to start on the right wing.
Kerem Aktürkoğlu (Galatasaray): Expected to start on the left wing.
Can Uzun (1.FC Nuremberg): In contention for a starting role or as a substitute.
Backup Options:
Cengiz Under (Roma): Faces stiff competition for a starting spot on the wing.
Yusuf Yazıcı (Lille): Provides depth in attacking midfield.
Yunus Akgün (Galatasaray): Another option for attacking midfield or the wing.
Predicted Formation and Tactics:
Montella is likely to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation. Çakir (or possibly Gunok) will start in goal, with a back four of Celik, Demiral (or Kabak), Kabak (or Söyüncü), and Ozkacar.
The midfield duo of Özcan and Kökçü could sit in front of the defense, with Çalhanoğlu playing a more advanced role at times. Ünal will lead the line, supported by wingers Yildiz and Guler.
Arda Guler could mark his return to the national team after recovering from injury. Can Uzun who has also been called up to the national team after picking Turkey over Germany is also in contention to start of play.
This squad combines experienced players like Çalhanoğlu with exciting young talents like Güler and Kaplan. They will be aiming to make a strong impression at Euro 2024.
Turkey possible XI (4-2-3-1): Cakir; Celik, Demiral, Kabak, Ozkacar; Ozcan, Kokcu; Yildiz, Calhanoglu, Guler; Unal.
