Turkey banks on Enes Ünal to revive the duel against the Devils

Turkey, eager for renewal against the Red Devils, is relying on Enes Ünal up front. The new manager, Sergen Yalçin, successor to Vincenzo Montella, has confirmed that the Getafe striker, aged 29, will start tomorrow. The Nations League campaign began with four consecutive defeats.

Enes Ünal is not unknown to the attentive followers of the Pro League. His name regularly resonates in discussions about the Belgian championship.

Stakes for the Turkish national team

Sergen Yalçin said he is aware of the immense responsibility that lies on him after the turbulence of recent months. He emphasized that the task is all the more heavy given the recent results.

Turkey delivered a calamitous World Cup, leaving supporters disappointed. This debacle increased the pressure on the technical staff.

Against the Devils, the new manager will not be able to count on a 100% core. He will have to work with players returning from injury.

"Three or four players are returning from injury and we will use them at certain moments of the match," Yalçin said at a press conference quoted by RTBF. This sentence summarises the coach's limited margin of manoeuvre.

Among the uncertain, we find notably Celik Zeki, the Juventus full‑back. His inclusion remains to be confirmed.

"Celik's chances of starting tomorrow are very slim," his coach added. This remark indicates that Zeki will probably not be in the starting eleven.

Enes Ünal's career

Now aged 29, the Getafe striker experienced one of the first episodes of his career in Belgium. This early experience marked the start of his international adventure.

He was bought for four million euros from Bursaspor by Manchester City when he was only 18, then quickly loaned to Genk. This transfer launched his first foray outside Turkey.

At Genk, he struggled to establish himself as a starter under Peter Maes, scoring only two modest goals. This period was deemed unproductive.

His loans in the Eredivisie were more productive, convincing Villarreal to pay fourteen million euros in 2017. This success revived his profile in Europe.

Bournemouth even spent an additional three million in 2024 to sign him. This sum testifies to the persistent interest of Western clubs.

Despite this journey, Ünal has not played for the national team in two years, notably after suffering a cruciate ligament rupture. This injury has hampered his progression at the international level.

Follow the Turkey – Belgium match live from 18:00. The online broadcast will allow supporters to experience the showdown in real time.