Juventus defender Merih Demiral starred his second game for the reigning Serie A champions against Inter in the International Champions Cup in China.
Demiral came on during the half-time interval for the second game running.
The 21-year-old defender replaced Matthijs de Ligt and made an immediate impact with a few crunching tackles, important blocks and aerial clearances.
One tackle, in particular, went viral across social media.
Ladies and gentlemen let me introduce you to Merih Demiral ?
Juventus fans have a lot more of this to look forward to next season. He is the kind of defender fans love. Rugged, tough tackling, roughs up opposition players, brave, wins nearly ever aerial ball
Ironman! pic.twitter.com/FmNk0IFrPv
— TFTV Turkish-Football (@TurkFootballTV) July 24, 2019
Demiral prevented Inter from taking a shot on goal with a critical block.
The defender was widely praised by Juventus fans on social media for his overall display.
Merih Demiral, eh.
Between pushing Inter players, making (clean) aggressive tackles and looking like the most pissed off lad on the field in the process… I like. pic.twitter.com/66thJGsd0v
— InconvenientTruth98 (@ITruth98) July 24, 2019
I love a man, and his name is Merih #Demiral@juventusfc
— Thiago Bonapace (@ThiagoBonapace) July 24, 2019
#IronMan pic.twitter.com/TY6Q5bew13
— Juvefc.com (@juvefcdotcom) July 24, 2019
#IronMan pic.twitter.com/TY6Q5bew13
— Juvefc.com (@juvefcdotcom) July 24, 2019
The game ended in a 1-1 draw after Cristiano Ronaldo equalised directly from a free-kick in the second half.
See More: The Story Behind Merih Demiral Picking The No 28 Juventus Shirt Revealed
Juventus ended up winning the game on penalties with Demiral scoring the winning spot-kick.
Demiral joined Juventus on an €18m move from Sassuolo in July but his future looked in doubt wht De Ligt signed just a few weeks after.
The Turkey international is however, now likely to stay at the club his representatives informed Turkish-Football.
