Praise from the Portuguese for Kerem Akturkoglu: ‘The Fans Are Already Talking

In recent weeks, national football player Kerem Aktürkoğlu transferred from Galatasaray to Benfica for a fee of €12 million and celebrated his first goal in his debut match with the Portuguese team. Aktürkoğlu scored his team’s first goal in Benfica’s 4-1 victory over CD Santa Clara, earning applause from the fans. Portuguese journalists evaluated the 25-year-old player’s debut goal and impressive performance for Spor Arena.

In the 5th week of the Portuguese league, Benfica continued their good run by defeating CD Santa Clara 4-1. Making his debut for the Portuguese team in the starting 11, national star Kerem Aktürkoğlu stayed on the field for 73 minutes and crowned his eye-catching performance with a goal. The successful player managed to impress head coach Bruno Lage with his standout play. Our Portuguese colleagues made important observations about Kerem Aktürkoğlu’s performance and his place in the starting 11 after his debut.

PORTUGUESE MEDIA ON ‘KEREM AKTÜRKOĞLU’:
MÁRIO RUI VENTURA (FLASHSCORE PORTUGAL): “KEREM CAUGHT ATTENTION IN THE TURKISH NATIONAL TEAM”

Kerem wasn’t very well-known by Portuguese fans, but his name wasn’t completely unfamiliar due to his appearance against Portugal in the European Championship. Benfica had an extraordinary summer transfer window. Many players left the team, and new ones arrived. Also, former head coach Roger Schmidt departed. Then Kerem and the new coach joined the team. Kerem drew all attention last week by scoring three goals for the Turkish national team. Additionally, he started in the first 11 and scored in his Benfica debut.

“BENFICA FANS HAVE ALREADY STARTED TALKING ABOUT HARRY POTTER”

Kerem made a good start to his Benfica career and began connecting with the fans. Scoring in a home game allowed him to make a positive first impression with the supporters. Benfica fans didn’t know him well before, but now they’re starting to talk about Harry Potter. Orkun wasn’t a key player during Roger Schmidt’s tenure, and with the rumors of him leaving the club, he faced difficult times. However, Orkun stayed with the team, and like Kerem, was one of Bruno Lage’s first choices in his debut match. Kerem and Orkun could form a strong connection on the field, but we’ll need to wait to see Orkun’s exact role. In this first match, Orkun played as a defensive midfielder in the 4-2-3-1 system.

ALEXANDRE CANDEIAS (SPORT TV PORTUGAL): “KEREM WILL BE ONE OF BENFICA’S MOST IMPACTFUL PLAYERS”

Kerem’s transfer to Benfica happened quite suddenly. Everything developed quickly, and I don’t think anyone in Portugal expected it to happen before the initial rumors surfaced. Fans were curious whether Kerem would fit into the new coach’s system, especially since he was signed when the team didn’t have a coach. Kerem was already recognized from the European Championship and was considered one of Galatasaray’s standout players. His offensive skills, movement for every ball, and defensive support ensure he will be one of Benfica’s most impactful players.

“KEREM’S GOAL WAS A MAGICAL TOUCH”

Kerem immediately showed that he could be an important part of the Benfica team. It was the first game with the new coach, and it was significant that Kerem started in the first 11. As for the goal, it came after Orkun’s assist and was a magical touch. Moreover, the goal came at a time when Benfica was trailing in the match, helping to kickstart their comeback.

“BENFICA FANS HAVE GREAT EXPECTATIONS, SO KEREM…”

I think Kerem will continue to be in the starting 11 after the impact he made in his first game. However, just like at Galatasaray, Benfica fans place a lot of pressure on their players. Therefore, Kerem needs to stay at the highest level at all times. Kerem and Orkun will continue to be effective together, just like they were in the Santa Clara match. Orkun plays a more central role, making him one of the players setting the tempo for Benfica. In this role, Orkun will frequently connect with players in front of him, such as Kerem, Angel Di Maria, and Vangelis Pavlidis.