Euro 2020, Turkey vs Wales: Top 5 players to watch out for in TUR vs WAL: Turkey aim to bounce back from their opening game defeat at Euro 2020 on Wednesday, when they face Wales at Olympic Stadium in Baku. Senol Gunes’ men were ripped apart by Italy last week, but will know they have more quality than the score-line suggested during the 3-0 loss.
Meanwhile, Wales are coming into the game after stealing a point off Switzerland in the other Group A clash. The Dragons, however, will be aware of the amount of chances they conceded and fully understand they could be put to the sword by Turkey if they repeat the same.
Ahead of what promises to be an intriguing clash, we profile the five top players to watch out for during the game.
Euro 2020, Turkey vs Wales: Top 5 players to watch out for in TUR vs WAL:
Euro 2020, Turkey vs Wales: Key Player 1
Cengiz Under (Turkey)
The diminutive winger showed flashes of his potential after coming off the bench against Italy. Under is expected to be handed a start against Wales and could really come into his own in the wide areas.
In addition to quick bursts of pace and trickery up his sleeve, Under is also reliable in terms of finding the back of the net. Since his club career has taken a step back after a rather unimpressive loan stint at Leicester City, the 23-year-old will be keen to recapture his form to impress newly-appointed Jose Mourinho at his parent club Roma.
Euro 2020, Turkey vs Wales: Key Player 2
Kieffer Moore (Wales)
Wales manager Rob Page surprised everyone by naming Moore in the line-up against Switzerland. Recently, the Dragons have preferred a system without a recognised centre-forward, with Harry Wilson playing down the middle in front-three that consists of Dan James and Gareth Bale.
Although some quarters had their doubts about Moore, the Cardiff City marksman made an impression as early as the first 15 minutes. Yan Sommer had to make an excellent save to deny Moore in the air, but the 6ft 5in no nonsense centre-forward would have the last laugh with a downward header in the 74th minute that salvaged a draw for Wales.
Page has remained coy on whether Moore will start but if he does, it will be interesting to see him up against Caglar Soyuncu and Merih Demiral at the heart of defence for Turkey.
Euro 2020, Turkey vs Wales: Key Player 3
Okay Yokuslu (Turkey)
Premier League fans would be familiar with Yokuslu, who impressed at West Brom during his loan spell towards the second half of last season. The 27-year-old was excellent in the first half against Italy, but after Turkey went behind in the second forty-five, he had to be sacrificed for more attack-minded options.
Yokuslu provides great balance in midfield and takes care of the dirty work so that the players ahead of him can flourish. Truly an underrated but integral cog in the Turkish side, he will be hoping to do what he does best against Wales.
Euro 2020, Turkey vs Wales: Key Player 4
Gareth Bale (Wales)
It is safe to say that every time Wales go out to play, they expect a little bit of Gareth Bale magic to take them over the line. This is no way of being disrespectful to the 10 others on the pitch alongside him, but it is the kind of responsibility he has shouldered for his country over the years.
Obviously, Bale’s impact has waned and his stocks have fallen at club level. However, the winger is still Wales’ x-factor and relishes his serious winning mentality having played and won many high-stakes clashes in the past. It will be interesting to see if Bale can turn the clock back with Wales this summer.
Euro 2020, Turkey vs Wales: Key Player 5
Hakan Calhanoglu (Turkey)
The AC Milan midfielder cut a frustrated figure during the defeat to Italy. Calhanoglu is one of most experienced members of this really young Turkey side and will need to shoulder the responsibility on the pitch.
It was not on display in the last game though as Calhanoglu was spotted complaining on a few instances. Particularly, an incident where he mishit a pass and acted like it was left-back Umut Meras’ fault stood out glaringly. Gunes might have put his arm around Calhanoglu’s shoulder after the game to try and let him know what the team expects from their star man.