Ismail Kartal ‘to shift’ Mason Greenwood to No 10 for Roma opener | OneFootball

Ismail Kartal ‘to shift’ Mason Greenwood to No 10 for Roma opener | OneFootball

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·8 September 2026

Ismail Kartal ‘to shift’ Mason Greenwood to No 10 for Roma opener

Article image:Ismail Kartal ‘to shift’ Mason Greenwood to No 10 for Roma opener

Fanatik reports that Ismail Kartal is planning a tactical reshuffle for Thursday’s UEFA Champions League main phase opener against Roma in Kadıköy, with Mason Greenwood set to be used centrally as a No 10. The tie is Fenerbahçe’s first in the competition for 18 years.

Fenerbahçe arrive off a derby defeat to Beşiktaş. Kartal held one-to-one meetings and urged his players to show their identity at home, fight for each other and leave everything on the pitch.


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The report adds that Mattéo Guendouzi begins a European suspension, while Marco Asensio is not yet fully match-fit, complicating midfield choices.

In response, expected tweaks include N’Golo Kanté partnering İsmail Yüksek in a double pivot, Greenwood operating behind the striker and Dorgeles Nene starting on the right. At right-back, Mert Müldür is being considered to replace Nelson Semedo.

Kartal has stressed the importance of ball retention, warning against basic passing errors against Roma’s disciplined shape. With a demanding three-match spell looming, the opener is viewed inside the camp as a chance to reset momentum and make a statement on their return.

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”

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