Yildiz has more ‘freedom’ under Tudor at Juventus and sees ‘big future’ for Real Madrid starlet | OneFootball

Juventus star Kenan Yildiz admits Igor Tudor has given him more ‘freedom’ and praises Real Madrid talent Arda Guler: ‘A fantastic talent with a big future ahead.’

Juventus star Yildiz praised his coach, Tudor, as the Bianconeri prepare to face Manchester City in the final group stage game of the Club World Cup.

“When he arrived, he brought energy and helped the entire team,” the Turkish star told Gazzetta.

“He told me to focus on what I need to do on the pitch and forget about everything else. I don’t like to talk about the past, but it’s true that Tudor has given me a lot of freedom.”

Yildiz appears to have taken a step forward in the Club World Cup, assuming the technical leadership role of the team.

The 20-year-old has scored three goals and provided one assist in his first two appearances in the competition.

Yildiz reveals biggest Juventus change

TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 09: Match Referee Simone Sozza shows a yellow card to Kenan Yildiz of Juventus during the Serie A match between Juventus and Atalanta at the Allianz Stadium on March 09, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

“It gives me great confidence and belief in my abilities. I know what I have to do, and I work every day to help the team. Believing in yourself is crucial; it enables you to face every challenge at your best,” he said.

“I’ve changed a lot, I’m going from a teenager to a man, growing little by little. I’m grateful for everything, and I hope to improve every day.”

What was the most significant change?

“Perhaps in terms of mentality. When you are young and play with experienced players, you have to raise your level at all times,” Yildiz replied.

“You must quickly adapt to a new dimension and continually improve every aspect, as football is comprised of numerous factors. You also need a new attitude, grow physically and take care of your body. There were difficult moments; things are not always smooth in football. However, overall, I’m happy with how the season went and what we’re doing here in America.”

Yildiz opens up about Juventus future

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 22: Kenan Yildiz #10 of Juventus FC celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with Randal Kolo Muani #20 of Juventus FC during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group G match between Juventus FC and Wydad AC at Lincoln Financial Field on June 22, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

The Turkish striker is under contract until 2029, but according to reports in Italy, Juventus are preparing a further contract extension.

“To be honest, I don’t think about it right now. I’m satisfied with the current situation, and my sole focus is on working for the good of the team,” Yildiz said.

“I don’t talk about money, I just want to give my all on the pitch.”

Surely, Yildiz is happy at Juventus and has even received praise from club owner John Elkann.

“We had a nice chat. I know he appreciates my style of play. He’s a great person, and he even sent me a beautiful message recently. It was really kind of him,” Yildiz revealed.

Among the many talents at the World Cup, Yildiz picked one of his compatriots.

“There are many, especially Arda Guler, at Real Madrid. He’s a fantastic talent and has a big future ahead, but don’t ask me who is the strongest, I won’t say it,” he said.

Juventus and Manchester City have already qualified for the Round of 16 but will compete to win their group tonight.

“It will be a beautiful and challenging game; everyone knows City’s history,” Yildiz noted.

“It’s important to win the group, but it doesn’t matter who we face next. I’d love to see Hujsen again, but I’d only think about beating him. Real Madrid is probably the best team in the world, but the opponent doesn’t matter to us.”

Can Juventus win the Club World Cup?

“I don’t know, but I can tell you one thing: we’ll do everything we can to be the ones lifting the trophy.”

Yildiz seems to be on very good terms with his teammate Randal Kolo Muani, who spoke highly of the Turkish talent after a recent 4-1 win over Wydad.

“I can’t believe Randal said such nice things about me. Just two or three years ago, I was just a kid, and he was already Kolo Muani,” Yildiz concluded.

“Now we train together every day. This motivates me to work even harder. He always tells me to run, dribble and enjoy myself. He’s very critical of me, and I’ve always taken his advice to heart.”