Name: Salih Uçan
Club: Fenerbahce
Nationality: Turkish
Position: Attacking midfield
Who is he?
A native of the Mediterranean resort city of Marmaris, Ucan joined his local side as a child before joining second division Bucaspor at the age of 14.
A renowned academy within Turkey, Bucaspor honed his talents until he made his first team debut in the Turkish Cup in 2010 aged 17 in a season which saw the club relegated from the Super Lig.
But he did not become a regular fixture in the side until 2011-12, playing 24 times, making three assists.
Achievements
His performances earned him a €1.4 million move to one of Turkey’s Big Three in the shape of Istanbul giants Fenerbahce. The transfer fee was the most lucrative for a Turkish youth player.
The 19-year-old was used sparingly in the league, making 10 appearances but most importantly finding the net three times in 424 minutes on the pitch.
Internationally he has played for Turkey from U15 to U21 level, and is currently part of his country’s U20 World Cup squad as they host the tournament.
Attributes
A creative and inventive player (as you can see with his beautiful chip against Orduspor below), the young attacking midfielder has been praised for his vision and flair, although his crossing has been criticised.
A fan of both Frank Lampard and Sergio Busquets, he can play in an advanced attacking midfield role but can also be stationed in a more withdrawn playmaker berth.
In terms of physique he can hold his own due to his height of 6 foot.
Potential
The fact that Manchester City has sent scouts to monitor his progress suggests burgeoning potential. UEFA also named him as one of Europe’s eight rising stars during the course of last season.
Certainly he is the brightest young player in Turkish football but whether he has the potential to be world class is open to question.
