👎 Kenan Yildiz suspended after the match at the Bernabéu | OneFootball

Kenan Yildiz at the Bernabéu. Or rather, Captain Kenan Yildiz at the Bernabéu. The Turkish star appeared last night wearing the number 10 jersey and the captain’s armband in what is probably the most iconic stadium in the world.

There was a lot of anticipation surrounding the player born in 2005, partly due to the general moment the Bianconeri are experiencing and partly because in Turin they still remember the ovation that the Real Madrid fans gave Del Piero back in 2008. 

Many saw the match at the Bernabéu as a test for Yildiz, called upon to repeat what his idol had achieved in the past on that legendary stage.

🤔 Kenan, failed the test?

It didn’t go as expected. Perhaps due to excessive pressure, perhaps due to the difficult period the team is going through, but at the Bernabéu, the star wearing number 10 did not shine. Three shots, but with only 0.08 expected goals (xG), zero dribbles completed, and zero fouls received.

If we look at the distribution of his plays, it’s not surprising that most of them occurred during non-possession phases and therefore were defensive actions.

It’s a shame, because Xabi Alonso’s Real left more than enough space for Tudor’s team to counterattack, and they did have their chances. Was more courage needed? Perhaps yes, especially considering how the Bernabéu has exalted players of superior class in the past. Just look at Lamine Yamal, who in Madrid put on a show against Ancelotti’s last Real.

🗣️ “Angry, but what a thrill”

It’s not a failure, and it never could be, especially at the start of a season in which one of the few convincing aspects of Tudor’s Juventus is precisely the Turk. Who, speaking to Prime Video after the match, expressed all his pride at having worn the captain’s armband on such a special night.

“An incredible feeling in this stadium, it’s the first time I’ve gone out with the captain’s armband, it’s fantastic. I’m a bit angry about the result because it was tough. It was a great match, but that’s how it went.” 

Kenan will have many more tests like last night’s. The feeling is that not only does Yildiz need to improve, but so does all of Juventus. If the team raises its level, so will their number ten. At least, that’s what great players do. 

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

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