As the Bianconeri prepare for their high-stakes showdown against Inter on Sunday afternoon, the spotlight has fallen on a player who has been struggling to make an impact this season: Kenan Yildiz. The Turkish teenager, born in 2005, was brought in with great fanfare, touted as a potential game-changer in the years to come. But so far, the results have been underwhelming.
Yildiz’s numbers are telling the tale of a player who is still finding his feet in the top flight of Italian football. He has yet to score a goal, and his shooting statistics are equally unimpressive. In the four matches prior to their Champions League defeat against Stuttgart, Yildiz failed to register a single shot on target, often finding himself overshadowed by his teammates’ tactical tasks.
But this lack of impact is not just a reflection of Yildiz’s individual form. Juventus’ overall struggles to craft an effective attacking phase have contributed to his difficulties. The absence of key midfielders like Koopmeiners and Nico Gonzalez has left the team short on creativity and guile, making it even more challenging for Yildiz to make a meaningful contribution.
As Thiago Motta plots his side’s attack ahead of the big match against Inter, the question on everyone’s lips is: what’s the game plan for Yildiz? Will he be reassigned to a more central role, where he might be able to find more freedom and create opportunities for himself and his teammates? Or will Motta stick with the same formula, hoping for a change in fortunes?
The answer lies in the middle of the pitch, where the Bianconeri’s midfield maestros will have to work their magic to unlock the opposition’s defense. With Douglas Luiz set to miss out, and three places up for grabs, Fagioli, Locatelli, Kephren Thuram, and McKennie will all be vying for a starting spot. Will Yildiz be one of them?
As Motta ponders his options, he may also consider an alternative: using the pace and trickery of Weah on the right and Mbangula on the left to exploit Inter’s defense. It’s a gamble, but one that could pay off in a big way.
With the stakes high, one thing is clear: Motta will need to get his squad’s house in order, and that includes finding a way to unlock Yildiz’s potential. The stage is set for a pivotal encounter, and everyone is waiting with bated breath to see how the Bianconeri’s young talent will respond.
