Turkey have all the tools to play eye-to-eye against any opponent. Although the EURO 2016 campaign has been less than ideal, it is a test of the players’ resolve. Against both Czech Republic and Latvia they showcased their strengths and weaknesses. Here are the takeaways:
1. Starting off strong
Turkey dictated the tempo of the match through their work on the ball. They held onto a majority of possession and looked to maintain fluidity. They were keen to build from the back and use players in the heart of midfield to pick out those stationed out wide. This would create overlapping runs on the flanks. Turkey’s proactive approach was their strength in supplying numbers into the box. Not only did this cause problems for the opposition’s defense, but it also forced them to play deep. Turkey moving the ball as much as possible out of their own half took pressure off their back line as well.
2. Arda Turan the main attraction
Arda’s work ethic is admirable. He was heavily involved in combinations and linked up well with Olcay Şahan and Gökhan Töre in the final third. His ability to trick players around him and then drive through space is a joy to watch. Arda Turan’s technique and control stood out in moments where the opposing teams wanted to stay compact. His dribbling was effective when they left the midfield open. Czech Republic and Latvia concentrated on putting Arda off the ball in order to subdue Turkey’s spark.
3. The missing component
Without Ömer Toprak as a center-back option, Mehmet Topal was slot into that role. Due to Mehmet’s absence in midfield, Turkey were missing his defensive quality. They were lacking someone to close down the middle of the park and break up play. This is one reason both Czech Republic and Latvia were able to quickly execute dangerous counter-attacks. There wasn’t enough emphasis on defense with Turkey’s attack-minded set up.
4. Lack of “Plan B”
Turkey started with a spring in their step, but they faded as the game wore on. They weren’t able to keep up the intensity for 90 minutes. The chances were coming, but they just couldn’t capitalize. Turkey ran out of ideas and could not formulate a Plan B when things weren’t going their way. Once Czech Republic recognized Turkey’s strength in supplying numbers into the box, they crowded out that area. Latvia relied on low blocking to cut off Turkey’s chances in front of goal. When the team couldn’t adapt to these situations, it proved to be costly.
The European Qualifiers have been a challenging task full of surprises. Turkey will need to kick it up a notch with this being the first time they have failed to win their opening three games in qualifiers since 1992 (Opta). However, they have the personnel to make it happen. Once injured players are incorporated back into the squad, this could address some of the tactical issues. Turkey are facing an uphill battle, but it isn't impossible. Victory is sweeter when it’s hard fought.
Written by: Goral Patel
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| Getty Images |
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| Getty Images |
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