Kenan Yildiz, Juventus young striker becomes the sole striker for Turkey

Juventus prospect Kenan Yildiz showcased versatility by playing as a lone striker for Turkey against Austria, potentially offering a solution for Juventus' forward shortage in Serie A.

Chirag

March 27, 2024

Kenan Yildiz For Turkey — Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images

The young talent Kenan Yildiz, who shows promise for Juventus, took up the role of the lone striker for Turkey in their recent friendly against Austria. This adaptation could offer a solution for Massimiliano Allegri’s Juventus in Serie A, considering their current shortage of forwards as they prepare for domestic competition.

Despite Turkey’s forgettable 6-1 loss to Austria, Yildiz was tasked with a new responsibility, starting as the sole striker in Vincenzo Montella’s 4-2-3-1 formation. Previously, Yildiz has mostly operated as a second striker for Juventus, occasionally appearing on the wing or in attacking midfield. While he had experience as a number 9 in the youth teams of Juventus and Bayern Munich until 2023, the 18-year-old hadn’t been tested as the main striker since becoming a senior squad member for both club and country.

Montella’s utilization of Yildiz in this central role might provide inspiration for Allegri, who faces the absence of key players ahead of Saturday’s Serie A encounter with Lazio. Dusan Vlahovic is suspended, while Arkadiusz Milik is sidelined due to injury. Moise Kean has returned from injury but has only played 22 minutes across two substitute appearances after a three-month absence due to a shin injury.

According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Yildiz could be in contention for a starting spot against Lazio. If selected, he might partner Federico Chiesa upfront in a potential adjustment to Allegri’s favored 3-5-2 system, especially since Kean is unlikely to last the full 90 minutes, opening up an opportunity for Yildiz to feature prominently.