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Top seven sides apart from hosts India will qualify for the 2023 ODI World Cup

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Jul-2020It has been delayed by a couple of months, but the inaugural ICC Cricket World Cup Super League will finally get going on July 30 when England and Ireland face off in the first of three ODIs in Southampton.Featuring 13 teams – the top 12 and Netherlands, who qualified by winning the ICC World Cricket Super League 2015-17 – the league will see each side play four home and four away three-match ODI series in a fixed timeframe, with the top seven sides apart from hosts India earning automatic qualification for the next 50-over World Cup, to be played in October-November 2023.Each team gets ten points for a win, five for a tie, no result or abandonment and none for a loss. The five sides failing to qualify directly will play along with five Associate sides in the World Cup Qualifier 2023, with two teams from the Qualifier making it to the ten-team World Cup.”The league will bring relevance and context to ODI cricket over the next three years, as qualification for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 is at stake,” Geoff Allardice, ICC’s general manager (cricket operations), said in a statement. “The Super League gives cricket fans around the world even more reasons to watch as the drama of league cricket unfolds.”The decision last week to move the World Cup back to late 2023 gives us more time to schedule any games lost due to Covid-19 and preserve the integrity of the qualification process, meaning it will be decided on the field of play, which is important.”Ireland are already in England, and their preparations haven’t gone particularly well so far. After an intra-squad warm-up game on July 22, they lost to England Lions by seven wickets on July 26 – both matches were played at the Ageas Bowl, the venue for the three ODIs.”It’s a privilege to be playing in the inaugural series of the ICC Men’s World Cup Super League. It is obviously going to be a huge challenge taking on the team that won the World Cup just a year ago but we have prepared well and have taken confidence from our form over the early months of 2020,” Andrew Balbirnie, the Ireland captain, said in the ICC statement. “What is important is that we are getting back on the field. I hope international cricket’s return is steady during these challenging times.”I look forward to the Irish side putting on a good performance in the upcoming series as we start our campaign for World Cup qualification.”Eoin Morgan, meanwhile, said, “Given the situation, it will be quite different to the last time we played at home, when we lifted the World Cup at Lord’s, but it’s nice to be starting our journey for the next edition of the tournament.”I’m sure cricket fans all over the world will be excited to see white-ball cricket resume and we’re looking forward to the challenge. Ireland are a talented team who have shown over the years that they can beat the best on their day. We look forward to what promises to be an interesting series.”The three matches will be played on July 30, August 1 and August 4.

Lionesses star Mary Earps responds to her Paris Saint-Germain teammates joking with her

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Earps responds to team-mates mocking herPSG colleagues joke around on the tour busLionesses star 'taking in the Paris sights'Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

Earps joined Paris Saint-Germain this summer following the end of her contract with Manchester United – as she called it time on her five-year stint with the Red Devils. The Lionesses star has already got involved in Les Parisiennes' team dynamics as she joined PSG's pre-season tour bus around the city of Paris.

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Earps' Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Sakina Karchaoui posted a story on Instagram with the Lionesses star looking out of the bus taking in the sights of the 'City of Love'. In the video, Karchaoui along with team-mates Jackie Groenen and Aissatou Tounkara jokingly mocked Earps as she seemed out of sorts, with the left-back asking the England keeper: "Are you okay?"

WHAT EARPS SAID

Earps has now responded to the funny story on Instagram, as she said: "FFS. Just looking around trying to take in the Paris sights."

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WHAT NEXT FOR EARPS?

The 31-year-old goalkeeper is likely to be the starting keeper for Fabrice Abriel at PSG when they begin their league campaign later this month, She will also be a starter for PSG when they take on Juventus in the second round of UWCL play-offs.

Since the end of the Premier League season, Newcastle United have turned straight to the transfer market and have now reportedly sent club officials to London to seal a bargain deal for Eddie Howe.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies have wasted little time when it comes to reinforcements, with a deal to sign Lloyd Kelly upon the expiry of his Bournemouth contract reportedly on the cards. The centre-back, who can also play left-back, enjoyed an excellent season under Andoni Iraola, but informed the Cherries of his decision to depart in the coming weeks nonetheless.

Taking full advantage, Newcastle's defensive depth problem should be somewhat eased by Kelly's arrival, given his versatility to cover for the likes of Dan Burn and the injured Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman. He's not the only one reportedly on his way in a bargain deal, however.

Newcastle interested in signing "wonderful" ace amid rival's PSR struggles

The Magpies could take full advantage.

ByTom Cunningham May 23, 2024

According to Wayne Veysey of Football Insider, Newcastle officials have travelled to London to seal a free deal for Tosin Adarabioyo with his current Fulham contract coming to an end.

Having rejected several attempts from those at Craven Cottage to extend his deal, the defender is on course to leave as a free agent despite holding a market value of £12.8m. The Magpies will apparently triple his current £40,000-a-week salary, which would put him on par with Kieran Trippier as the Tyneside club's third-highest earner.

Suddenly, Howe will have two young, solid centre-backs to choose from and any previous concerns or circumstances in which Burn was forced into the role should be ended.

As the Magpies seek a return to the Premier League's top four, they've certainly made a good start when it comes to summer recruitment so far.

"Special" Adarabioyo will hand Howe a positive selection headache

It's set to be quite the change in mood for Howe, who was left desperately seeking defensive cover throughout the current campaign, only for injuries to pile up and options to fall short. Now, with Kelly and Adarabioyo on their way, he'll have a positive selection headache. Adarabioyo, like Kelly, won't be arriving to just sit on the bench, which hands Fabian Schar and Botman, when he returns, plenty of healthy competition.

Starts

18

35

15

Progressive Passes per 90

3.44

3.92

2.29

Tackles Won per 90

0.61

0.71

0.85

Ball Recoveries per 90

2.39

5.13

4.58

Fulham boss Marco Silva will be disappointed to see Adarabioyo heading for the exit door, having praised his centre-back earlier this season. He told beIN Sports: “He is a key player for us. He is one of the leaders in our dressing room and we need these guys to step in in the right moments and he did it.

“We missed him a lot, we missed him because he didn’t play the first three months of the season. Tosin is a special player for us, I can’t hide that situation. The way he can defend the box but also on the ball he is a special player for me, the way I want to play, the way he can build (from the back)."

The former Arsenal midfielder is reportedly among the favorites to take over the MLS Eastern Conference side

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Patrick Viera a finalist for Atlanta jobCoached NYCFC in MLS for to start careerWas linked with vacant USMNT jobWHAT HAPPENED?

After four months without employment, Patrick Viera is back in consideration for a MLS job. The Arsenal legend is among the finalists for Atlanta's coaching role, according to Tom Bogert. He last coached at Strasbourg in Ligue 1, and was briefly linked with the USMNT job last summer after Gregg Berhalter was removed following a group stage exit at Copa America.

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Atlanta appears to be facing a transitional offseason. The 2018 MLS Cup Champions sold three of their biggest names last summer, raising $42 million with the departures of Thiago Almada, Giorgos Giakoumakis and Caleb Wiley.

There was also change in higher positions, with manager Gonzalo Pineda removed from in early June. Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra also left the club shortly after.

Viera, for his part, is no stranger to MLS. The Frenchman coached NYCFC for more than two seasons in his first managerial job.

DID YOU KNOW?

Viera has coached in three countries, having spent time in MLS, England and France over the course of a nearly 10 year managerial career. His tenure at NYCFC was marked by success, as he guided the expansion franchise to an MLS Eastern Conference semifinal appearance in his first season, and subsequent top four finishes over the next two campaigns.

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gettyWHAT NEXT FOR VIERA?

The Frenchman appears to be in contention for his next job in management – although it would seem that Atlanta are unlikely to appoint a full time coach until the end of the campaign.

Tottenham are thought to be leading Liverpool in the race to sign an £85m+ forward, according to one journalist.

Tottenham transfer rumours

Tottenham, under Ange Postecoglou, ended the 2023/24 campaign sitting 5th in the Premier League. This is by no means a terrible achievement after losing Harry Kane last summer, however, it is clear Spurs' ability to score goals has been impacted by Kane's absence, with their 74 goals in 38 league games last term the lowest of the top-seven teams.

Tottenham more likely to sign £60m star ahead of Arsenal

This comes as a boost to Ange Postecoglou.

ByCharlie Smith Jun 1, 2024

Unsurprisingly, this has led to the north London outfit being linked with a lot of forward options heading into the 2024 summer transfer window. It was claimed at the beginning of the week that Tottenham have maintained their interest in RB Leipzig attacker Dani Olmo ahead of the summer.

Elsewhere, Spurs are among several Premier League teams to have 'asked' about Beskitas' latest wonderkid, Semih Kılıçsoy, while the capital outfit are "keeping an eye" on Sporting CP's star winger Marcus Edwards ahead of the summer window and are interested in Nottingham Forest's Callum Hudson-Odoi and could make an offer for the wide-man 'before 30 June.'

Tottenham leading Liverpool in race to sign £85m+ attacker

Now, an update on a long-term attacking target at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has emerged. The player in question? Santiago Gimenez.

The Feyenoord striker has been linked with a move to Liverpool this week, as the Reds look to add another forward to their squad. However, it is the view of one journalist at least that Tottenham will land the forward ahead of Arne Slot and co. Speaking to Rousing The Kop, journalist Graeme Bailey feels that Tottenham are currently "favourites" for Gimenez.

“I think Spurs like him a lot, they’ve been doing work on him. I’d be making them favourites in that race at the moment.

“I haven’t heard too much on Liverpool. I know there’s the links with Arne Slot but how much impact the manager’s going to have on the search for players, I don’t think Liverpool are built like that. They might be asking about his players but I don’t think he would drive that.”

Liverpool, unlike Tottenham, have Champions League football next term, while the player has also previously worked under Arne Slot, but if Bailey's comments are anything to go by, that will not play a part in Tottenham's chances of getting a deal for the 23-year-old over the line.

In terms of a fee for the Mexican hitman, 90min claim Feyenoord would want to see the record for a sale in the Eredivisie matched if they are to sell their star striker, with that figure currently standing as the £87m Manchester United paid for Antony in 2022.

Gimenez scored 26 goals and assisted eight in 41 outings for Feyenoord during the most recent campaign, including two goals and one assist in four Champions League ties.

Mary Earps and Paris Saint-Germain crashed out in Champions League qualifying on Thursday with a surprisingly heavy 4-2 aggregate defeat to Juventus.

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PSG out in Champions League qualifyingJuventus into group stage with 5-2 aggregate winEarps' European campaign ends early againFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty ImagesTELL ME MORE

PSG went into the second leg of this second round qualifier with plenty of work to do, having lost 3-1 in Turin last Wednesday. That task became even harder almost immediately when Sofia Cantore capitalised on the chaos caused by a Juve corner to put her team 1-0 up on the night, and even further ahead on aggregate, with only two minutes on the clock.

It took until after half-time for the Parisians to get one back, when Romee Leuchter converted from the penalty spot after a foul on Marie-Antoinette Katoto, but it did spark them into life a little. Korbin Albert was extremely close to reducing that deficit further when she struck the crossbar and then Jennifer Echegini forced a strong save out of Pauline Peyraud-Magnin.

However, set piece defending – or a lack thereof – proved PSG's undoing once again, Barbara Bonansea coming off the bench to dart completely unmarked to the near post and flick a header beyond Earps that killed the tie off with 18 minutes remaining.

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As well as the Italian giants, this was a result for Manchester City to celebrate, as it ensured the English side will be in Pot 2 for Friday's group stage draw. City knew that if PSG and Arsenal both progressed on Thursday, they would be downgraded to Pot 3 and theoretically have a tougher European schedule. However, the Parisians' elimination made sure it was best case scenario instead.

Getty ImagesTHE MVP

The goal that gave Juventus the lead on the night, and helped them secure progression through to the group stage more comfortably, was by no means pretty. However, the manner in which Cantore quickly pounced on the ball and prodded it beyond a helpless Earps was characteristic of her start to the season. After also scoring in the first leg of this tie, the 24-year-old now has four goals in her first five games of the 2024-25 season. She's flying.

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THE BIG LOSER

Earps has spoken a lot about why she joined PSG this summer. She has talked about the opportunity to get out of her comfort zone, and she certainly appears to be enjoying the chance to experience a different culture and lifestyle in France, and about the quality of this team, one she has described as among the best in Europe.

After a difficult final season at Manchester United saw the club miss out on Champions League qualification, it felt like this move was a fantastic chance for Earps to play in the competition regularly for the first time in her career. To once again crash out at this stage then, after doing so 12 months ago with the Red Devils, will be hugely frustrating for the England star and put a dampener on a new chapter that she looks to have been thoroughly enjoying to this point.

Allrounder will arrive early on Sunday and will be in quarantine for six days as per IPL protocols

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Oct-2020England allrounder Ben Stokes is finally headed to the IPL from New Zealand, where he has spent the past month-and-a-half with his family. ESPNcricinfo understands Stokes will land in Dubai, where the Royals are based, early on Sunday.As per the IPL’s Covid-19 protocol Stokes will undergo the mandatory six-day quarantine, including clearing three tests, before he can link up with the Royals and be available for selection.On Saturday morning Stokes posted a picture with his parents on Instagram, along with a caption titled ‘goodbyes never get easier’.In August, mid-way into the Pakistan Test series, Stokes flew to New Zealand to be alongside his father Ged, who was detected recently with brain cancer. Stokes was granted compassionate leave by the ECB and missed not just the final two Tests and the limited-overs leg of the Pakistan series, but also the six-match white ball series against Australia.Upon landing in New Zealand, Stokes admitted leaving Pakistan series was the “right thing” he did from the “mental” point of view.The Royals have not yet commented on Stokes joining the squad, but the franchise has maintained the it would not rush the England allround back and give him “as much time as he wishes” before he was ready to play.”It’s a difficult scenario, so we’re giving him as much time as he needs, and connecting with him as best we can,” Royals head coach Andrew McDonald had told ESPNcricinfo days before the IPL started.While in Christchurch, Stokes had been readying for his return to competitive cricket by training with Sydenham Cricket Club, the first cricket club he played at back in New Zealand. “Been great being in Christchurch where it all began,” he said in another Instagram post. “Thanks to Sydenham Cricket for letting me use their facilities to bowl in.”Stokes’ arrival will shore up a slightly shaky middle order that is currently struggling for consistency. With Steven Smith and Jos Buttler opening the batting, the Royals have had to rely on the relative inexperience of Riyan Parag and Rahul Tewatia in the lower middle order, along with the out-of-form Robin Uthappa.

Former Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst wants to seal a reunion with a current Ibrox player in the summer transfer window, according to a fresh update.

Rangers transfer news

The Gers continue to be linked with new signings ahead of next season, with Mexican midfielder Andres Montano seen as an option to bring in, potentially being considered an upgrade on Tom Lawrence. Meanwhile, Rapid Bucuresti striker Albion Rrahmani has also been backed to join Rangers in the summer, with talks believed to have taken place over a move coming to fruition.

Bayern Munich youngster Yusuf Kabadayi is another player who the Scottish Premiership giants have reportedly shown an interest in, with the 20-year-old considered a long-term prospect. A fee is even thought to have been agreed, with a transfer close to being completed.

Kalvin Phillips has emerged as arguably Rangers' most high-profile target in recent weeks, as the 28-year-old looks to get his stuttering career back on track. Manchester City see no future for him at the Etihad, and West Ham haven't signed him after a disappointing loan spell there, but Philippe Clement is looking to add him to his squad.

Now, a Gers exit update has emerged, with one established figure potentially heading off to pastures new before the 2024/25 season gets underway.

Van Bronckhorst wants reunion with Rangers ace

According to a new update from the Scottish Daily Mail on Monday [via Ibrox News], Giovanni van Bronckhorst wants to sign Lawrence this summer, sealing a reunion and bringing him to Besiktas in the process. It was the Dutchman who signed the Welshman from Derby County back in 2022, during his time in charge at Ibrox, and they could now team up again.

Ipswich Town are also mentioned as potential suitors, however, with Kieran McKenna seeing the £22,000-a-week attacker as a good option to bring in after his side sealed promotion from the Championship to the Premier League last month. He has already played for the club in the past.

It does feel as though Lawrence's time at Rangers is close to coming to an end – his current deal expires in 2025, meaning that this summer is the last chance to receive a good fee for him, and the player himself appears to be willing to find a fresh challenge.

Teaming up with Van Bronckhorst again could clearly appeal, considering his former boss signed him initially, while a return to Ipswich in the Premier League also has obvious merits.

Rangers could land lethal Cantwell partner in swoop for £6.8m star

The Light Blues are reportedly interested in a deal to sign the centre-forward this summer.

ByDan Emery Jun 10, 2024

If Lawrence does move on in the summer, he should be remembered as a solid servant for Rangers – one who David McCallum once described as "excellent" – having registered 11 goal contributions (six goals and five assists) in 41 appearances overall. More was arguably required for him to be a genuine success story, considering he is a 23-cap Wales international, but injuries have held him back.

Football is huge in Turkey, with a rich history full of incredible players, passionate supporters, and moments that will never be forgotten on the global scene.

Turkey have produced players who have excelled in Europe’s top leagues in addition to dominating on home shores.

Turkey’s greatest football accomplishment at a major event was in the 2002 FIFA World Cup, where the national team achieved its best-ever result in the competition with an impressive third-place finish.

They also demonstrated their potential to compete with the top teams in Europe in 2008 by making it to the semi-finals of the European Championship, and were 20 minutes away from repeating the feat at Euro 2024.

With that, here is the list of who we believe are the ten greatest Turkish footballers, based on their overall impact at either club or international level during their careers…

1

Hakan Şükür

1987-2008

2

Rüştü Reçber

1988-2012

3

Arda Turan

2005-2022

4

Tugay Kerimoğlu

1987-2009

5

Emre Belözoğlu

1996-2020

6

Nihat Kahveci

1997-2011

7

Bülent Korkmaz

1987-2005

8

Tuncay Şanlı

2000-2015

9

Nuri Şahin

2005-2021

10

Hakan Çalhanoğlu

2011-present

Euro 2024 Group F: Teams, players, fixtures and venues

Everything you need to know about Turkey, Georgia, Portugal and the Czech Republic ahead of Euro 2024.

ByStephan Georgiou Jun 10, 2024 10 Hakan Çalhanoğlu 2011-present

With noteworthy stints at Bayer Leverkusen, Milan and Inter, midfield maestro Hakan Çalhanoğlu has made tremendous progress in European football. He is known for his mastery of set pieces and playmaking ability. Çalhanoğlu’s ability to score goals from distance and deliver vital assists has helped him amass amazing figures, including 121 goals and 125 assists throughout his club career at the time of writing.

With his vision and leadership, Çalhanoğlu has been a prominent player for Turkey on the international scene, making a contribution in Euro 2016 and Euro 2020. Heading into this summer’s Euros, his overall record for his nation stands at 18 goals from 86 caps.

International caps

86

International goals

18

Clubs played for

Karlsruher, Hamburg, Bayer Leverkusen, Milan, Inter

Club honours

Serie A, Coppa Italia x2

Individual honours

Turkish Footballer of the Year (2021)

9 Nuri Şahin 2005-2021

The story of Nuri Şahin’s football career revolves around his exceptional talent, adeptness in midfield, and tenacity. His professional career began at Borussia Dortmund, when he became the youngest player to play and score in Bundesliga history.

He went on to make 274 appearances for the German club during his time there and played a key part in the team’s 2010/11 Bundesliga title triumph under Jürgen Klopp. Sahin’s impressive achievements in Germany saw him secure a move to Real Madrid in 2011, and later went on to play for Liverpool in the Premier League.

Şahin, despite being a deep-lying playmaker, scored 38 goals and laid on 65 assists throughout his tenure in Europe’s elite leagues. He is now set to lead Borussia Dortmund from the dugout, having replaced Edin Terzic at the helm following their Champions League final defeat.

At a young age, Şahin represented Turkey internationally, garnering over 50 caps and taking part in multiple qualification campaigns. His passing range and vision made him an important member of the national team, controlling the tempo in addition to providing direct assists.

International caps

52

International goals

2

Clubs played for

Borussia Dortmund, Feyenoord, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Werder Bremen, Antalyaspor

Club honours

Bundesliga, La Liga, KNVB Cup, DFB-Pokal

8 Şanlı Tuncay 2000-2015

Şanlı Tuncay had a lasting impression on Turkey and beyond. After making his debut with Sakaryaspor, he swiftly gained momentum at Fenerbahçe, where he established himself as a vital member of the squad, making over 150 appearances and making a substantial impact with goals and assists. His displays in both the Süper Lig and UEFA competitions demonstrated his versatile playmaking skills, ranging from attacking midfield to operating on the wing.

After joining Middlesbrough in the Premier League in 2007, Tuncay quickly won over supporters with his skill, hard work ethic, and knack for scoring crucial goals, including his unforgettable overhead kick against Aston Villa.

Despite the club’s ups and downs, Tuncay scored 18 goals in all competitions during his time at the Riverside Stadium. The next stops in his career included Stoke City, Wolfsburg and Bolton Wanderers, among others, where he consistently displayed his performance level and capacity to adapt.

Tuncay earned 79 caps on the international stage, tallying 22 goals. His enthusiasm and offensive prowess were evident during Turkey’s incredible run to the Euro 2008 semi-finals, where he was a vital member of the team.

International caps

79

International goals

22

Clubs played for

Sakaryaspor, Fenerbahce, Middlesbrough, Stoke, Wolfsburg, Bolton, Bursaspor, Umm Salal, Pune

Club honours

Super Lig x3

7 Bülent Korkmaz 1987-2005

Bülent Korkmaz is a legendary character in Turkish football, dubbed “Iron Bülent” for his tenacity. Throughout his illustrious career, Bülent embodied leadership and unshakable determination.

Korkmaz played his entire club career at Galatasaray, playing around 588 games in all competitions between the late 1980s and the early 2000s. During Korkmaz’s stint at the club, the Turkish club won multiple Süper Lig championships, Turkish Cups, and most famously, the UEFA Cup in 2000, which made the squad the first Turkish team to win a major European competition. These victories were made possible by his on-field leadership as he helped lead Galatasaray through their most successful years.

In terms of the international stage, Korkmaz amassed over 100 caps for Turkey, which involved taking part in big events like Euro 1996 and the 2002 FIFA World Cup, where Turkey finished an incredible third.

International caps

102

International goals

2

Clubs played for

Galatasaray

Club honours

Super Lig x8, Turkish Cup x6, UEFA Cup, Super Cup

6 Nihat Kahveci 1997-2011

Famous for his quick reflexes and energy on the pitch, Nihat Kahveci left his mark on Turkish football history over a career that spanned the top leagues in both Spain and Turkey. After rising through the youth ranks at Beşiktaş, Nihat rapidly demonstrated his ability to score goals. Despite not being the most prolific of strikers, his 191 appearances, 41 goals and 29 assists during his stint at Beşiktaş are evidence of his effectiveness and reliability as a forward.

Due to Nihat’s talents, he secured a move to Real Sociedad in La Liga in 2002, where he and Darko Kovacevic forged a strong alliance, leading the group to an unexpected second-place showing in the 2002/03 campaign. Nihat’s influence in Spain did not end there, as he went on to play for Villarreal, where he scored 25 goals in 78 games.

His ability to score in key situations, such as a standout performance in which he netted two goals against Real Madrid, solidified his reputation as one of the most potent Turkish strikers in European sport at the time.

He also played a distinguished role for Turkey on the international scene, collecting 69 caps and tallying 19 goals. His vital goals in the group and knockout stages of UEFA Euro 2008 demonstrated his capacity to perform on the biggest stage, as a major player in Turkey’s incredible journey to the semi-finals.

International caps

69

International goals

19

Clubs played for

Besiktas, Real Sociedad, Villarreal

Club honours

Turkish Cup x2

5 Emre Belözoğlu 1996-2020

Considered one of the best football players to come out of Turkey, Emre Belözoğlu is respected for his toughness and intelligence in the midfield.

Starting his career at Galatasaray, Emre made a name for himself as a pivotal player in the midfield, helping the side win both domestic and European titles, notably the UEFA Cup in 2000. He made over 150 appearances during his time there, where his passing range and vision were key components of the team’s style of play.

Emre’s skills allowed him to play in some of Europe’s top divisions, such as Serie A with Inter, where he won the Italian Cup, and the Premier League with Newcastle United, where he demonstrated his versatility as a midfield player. Lastly, in La Liga, he added further experience with Atlético Madrid, which enabled them to win the UEFA Europa League in 2010.

Throughout his career, Emre’s command of the midfield and superb set-piece abilities made him an indispensable member of any squad he played for. This led to him making over 720 club appearances.

Emre gained more than 100 caps for Turkey throughout his international career, playing an important part in helping the team advance to the last four at Euro 2008 and the World Cup semi-finals in 2002.

International caps

101

International goals

9

Clubs played for

Galatasaray, Inter, Newcastle, Fenerbahce, Atletico Madrid, Istanbul Basaksehir

Club honours

Super Lig x5, Turkish Cup x4, UEFA Cup, Super Cup x2, Coppa Italia

4 Tugay Kerimoğlu 1987-2009

During his career, Tugay played for some of the top clubs in Europe, due to his exceptional technical skill, keen vision and remarkable game-reading abilities, all of which helped him stand out in the midfield.

Tugay started his brilliant career at Galatasaray, where he progressed through the ranks to become one of the most important players for the team. He accumulated numerous trophies throughout his ten years with Gala, including two Turkish Cups, six Süper Lig crowns, and the coveted UEFA Cup in 2000. Following his success in Turkey, he made the move to England to join Premier League side Blackburn Rovers in 2001, and went on to become a cult hero there.

Tugay had over 230 appearances in the Premier League, which only makes up a small part of the mammoth 734 appearances in his entire career.

Tugay represented Turkey in international competitions, winning 94 caps for the national team. Turkey placed third in the 2002 World Cup with him in the side as an ever-present.

International caps

94

International goals

2

Clubs played for

Galatasaray, Rangers, Blackburn

Club honours

Super Lig x6, Scottish Premiership, Turkish Cup x4, Scottish Cup, League Cup

3 Arda Turan 2005-2022

Arda started his career at Galatasaray, where he rose from the youth ranks to become a vital member of the team. He was instrumental in helping the team win the Turkish Super Cup and the Süper Lig during his tenure there, making an early impression with goals and critical assists that foreshadowed an incredible career.

It was his unprecedented success at Atlético Madrid that really elevated his name, as he played a key role in the team’s 2013/14 La Liga triumph, a historic feat that ended a ten-year Barcelona–Real Madrid duopoly in Spain, having previously helped the team to Europa League and Super Cup titles.

After relocating to Barcelona, Arda won two Copa del Rey championships, a FIFA Club World Cup, a Spanish Super Cup, a UEFA Super Cup, and another La Liga title.

Arda earned 100 caps for the Turkish national team and has been a mainstay on the international scene.

International caps

100

International goals

16

Clubs played for

Galatasaray, Manisaspor, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Istanbul Basaksehir

Club honours

Super Lig x2, La Liga x2, Turkish Cup, Copa del Rey x3, Europa League, Super Cup

2 Rüştü Reçber 1998-2012

Rüştü Reçber is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers to come out of Turkey, and his incredible performances have made a lasting impression on the national and international football scene in his home country.

Turkey’s remarkable run to a third-place finish in the 2002 World Cup was made possible in large part by Rüştü, in what was his most noteworthy international achievement. However, this wasn’t the only time he shone for his country, as he is one of the Turkish national team’s most-capped players, with 120 caps to his name.

The goalkeeper’s career at club level was primarily shaped by his tenures at Fenerbahçe and Beşiktaş, where he showcased his abilities in several domestic and European campaigns. While playing at Fenerbahçe, he won multiple Süper Lig titles, Turkish Cups, and the Turkish Super Cup. Beyond this, he spent a short time in Spain after moving to Barcelona in 2003 as a result of his performances, but soon returned to Turkey and kept up his impressive displays with Beşiktaş, adding titles to his collection.

His individual achievements highlight his impact and performance at the top level of football, as he was selected as the Turkish Footballer of the Year and made the 16-man FIFA Team of the Tournament for the 2002 World Cup.

International caps

120

International clean sheets

57

Clubs played for

Burdurgucu, Antalyaspor, Fenerbahce, Barcelona, Besiktas

Club honours

Super Lig x5, Turkish Cup x2

1 Hakan Şükür 1987-2008

Hakan Şükür will go down as one of the country’s most prolific strikers, having carved out an extraordinary career full of noteworthy accomplishments and awards, cementing his legendary status in Turkish football.

The striker’s abilities were most clearly demonstrated on the global scene at the 2002 World Cup, where he was a major player in Turkey’s incredible run to a third-place finish. One of his most iconic moments was 11 seconds into the third-place contest against South Korea, where he scored the fastest goal in World Cup history.

However, his efforts didn’t stop there as he went on to score 51 goals for the Turkish national team, making him the team’s all-time leading scorer.

As well as being a Turkey legend, he was highly revered at Galatasaray. During his time at the Turkish giants, he won multiple Süper Lig titles and Turkish Cups, while he was part of the club’s first-ever UEFA Cup victory in 2000, scoring 288 goals and laying on 133 assists in a whopping 539 games.

He wasn’t always based in his home country, as he ended up tasting football in the foreign leagues, where he maintained his scoring prowess throughout spells in the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers and in Serie A with Inter.

International caps

112

International goals

51

Clubs played for

Sakaryaspor, Bursaspor, Galatasaray, Torino, Inter, Parma, Blackburn

Club honours

Super Lig x8, Turkish Cup x6, Coppa Italia, UEFA Cup

Lamine Yamal has explained his angry reaction to being substituted during Barcelona's game against Alaves on Sunday.

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Lamal was substituted in win at AlavesWinger was visibly angry after withdrawalBarcelona star has explained his reactionFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Yamal was visibly upset when he was substituted in the 67th minute, despite Barcelona leading 3-0 thanks to a Robert Lewandowski hat-trick. The 17-year-old had a similar reaction when he was taken off in the Champions League game against Young Boys a few days earlier.

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The Spain international says that his outburst in the Alaves match was not because he was taken off, but because he was disappointed with his performance and should have done more to help his side.

WHAT YAMAL SAID

"More than angry, I was not happy with my game," he told . "I thought I could play better, deep down I thought I could have played a better game. I demand a lot from myself. I think that's the line I have to follow to be able to play every game at 100 per cent. It was with myself."

When asked about his discussion with Hansi Flick, he said: "He asked me why I was like that, if it was because of the substitution or why. And I told him it was because of me, that I don't think I helped the team very well, that I could help more… I told him that I would be 100% in the next game."

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Yamal will likely be involved when Spain take on Denmark in the Nations League on Saturday. The Euro 2024 winners then take on Serbia on Tuesday.