Hakan Çalhanoğlu

Written by Emre Sarigul for turkish-football.com:

Hakan Calhanoglu is not short on confidence, “I'm the best playmaker right now,” he said in February. “After me Rodri, then Toni Kroos, [Joshua] Kimmich and Enzo Fernández.” The creative heartbeat of this Turkey team brings experience and guile to the midfield. Has matured into a deep-lying playmaker at Inter and his vision and ability to dictate the tempo of the game are invaluable for Vincenzo Montella with Turkey. Calhanoglu's dead-ball prowess remains a huge weapon, his pinpoint free-kicks and corners offering a constant threat. He will be tasked with pulling the strings in midfield, orchestrating attacks and linking defence with attack. While the goals might be less frequent these days, his experience and leadership will be crucial to guide Turkey's young talents at Euro 2024.