Merih Demiral #3

Profile

Demiral has rediscovered his form and confidence after a rocky period, which included an ACL injury while at Juventus in January 2020. After a spell at Atalanta he now appears settled at Al-Ahli. The 1.90m tall defender is a natural leader; the type of centre-back who celebrates a successful sliding tackle as if he has scored the most important goal ever. The 28-year-old also poses a threat from set-pieces going forwards and scored both goals in the Euro 2024 quarter-final against Austria, the first one coming after 57 seconds. He has been involved in controversy too; first in 2019 as he was one of several Turkish players making a so-called “military salute” goal celebration against Albania, and then for making a “wolf-salute” after the win against Austria. Demiral was unrepentant in face of criticism and vowed to do it again while the incident led to Turkey’s ambassador to Germany being summoned to the foreign ministry in Berlin to explain the gesture and take measures to prevent its further use. Demiral was banned for two matches by Uefa.

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