Turkey have recently been producing some world-class players in every position. Some recent and known examples of those players are Yusuf Demir and Arda Guler. Although much of their exciting talents have come in the form of defenders. From Caglar Soyuncu, Merih Demiral, and Ozan Kabak to the current emerging stars like Serdar Saatcı, Ravil Tagir and Ahmetcan Kaplan, this Turkey’s ”Golden Generation” has wonderful centre-backs. And with their performances, they are proving that they are something special.
Who is Ahmetcan Kaplan?
Ahmetcan is a 19-year-old centre-back who plays for Trabzonspor. With a decent height of 6 feet 2 inches, the Turkish giant is superior in the air.
At the start of last season, Ahmetcan probably wasn’t in the squad plans for Trabzonspor. But after several high-profile mistakes from senior defenders of the squad and season-ending injuries to the rest of the players, Ahmetcan found himself in a situation that most of the players can only dream of.
Ahmetcan Kaplan 🇹🇷 is an extremely interesting young CB, who has proved himself as a starter for Trabzonspor.
• Mentally developed for his age.
• Physical presence.
• Tall & dominant in the air (189cm).
• Great passing & dribbling skills.Now, he’s linked with Ajax. 🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/Lku3Qjvg4g
— R.D. Football Scout (@RdScouting) August 4, 2022
When it comes to young players and luck on their side, it’s not always the case. But for young Ahmetcan it was the other way round. After grabbing the opportunity to represent Trabzonspor at the age of just 18, the young Turkish did not look back. The Turkish champions got themselves a rising young defender with huge potential and one they can cash on for good money if the right offer arrives.
Ahmetcan Kaplan potential
You usually don’t see this kind of cold bloodiness in a 19-year-old. And when you see it, you know it’s something special. Ahmetcan doesn’t have significant weaknesses, with only some minor skills that he needs to get sharp on.
Although any future bidder that would be interested in the Turkish defender will have a gem on their hand. Kaplan reads danger that not many defenders of his age can. Along with the ability to sniff dangers in the box, he can drive the ball with him outside of his own penalty box.
Ahmetcan Kaplan stats
Ahmetcan Kaplan made his debut for Trabzonspor in the 2021/22 season. The Turkish giant made a total of 13 appearances with 9 of them being starts. With such exceptional ball-playing ability and a keen eye for a killer pass he also got an assist in the bank.
Skills and style of play
Even with his large frame, Kaplan is not clumsy with or without the ball at his feet which is usually the case with most centre-backs of that height.
He is an extremely good passer of the ball with a 90 percent accuracy rate on all of his passes. Kaplan is also strong on the ground, with a strength that you won’t expect from a 19-year-old. And on the rare occasion, he can even dribble with the ball and surprise the opposing team.
Ahmetcan Kaplan – Ajax transfer news
With more and more Turkish wonderkids leaving their clubs for European elites, it is really difficult for them to hold on to these players. One thing that the Turkish league can offer these young guns is guaranteed game time. And because Ahmetcan already had a great start to his career, it’s hard to imagine him falling out of the rotation.
Ajax have been keeping tabs on him, and have increased their scouting for the Turkish defender recently. More so after their star defender Lisandro Martinez departed for Manchester United. If he keeps playing on the same level and doesn’t get injured too seriously, he might end up at a top club sooner or later. He might not be the “modern-day centre-back”, but his old-school defending is just what some of the elites are looking for.
