Sergen Yalçın Chooses a Striker-Led System for A Milli Team

A Milli Football Team hosted Belgium in İzmir in the fifth match of Group 1 of the UEFA Nations League. Sergen Yalçın, who was appointed head coach to replace Vincenzo Montella, sent out his starting XI in his first match in charge.

In his first match, Yalçın opted for a system with a striker. Announcing at the press conference that Enes Ünal would play, the coach gave Uğurcan Çakır the task in goal. The back four consisted of Oğuz Aydın, Merih Demiral, Ozan Kabak and Ferdi Kadıoğlu. In midfield, İsmail Yüksek and Orkun Kökçü played, while in attack Yunus Akgün was on the right, Arda Güler wore the number 10, and Barış Alper Yılmaz was deployed on the left.

Recalled to the national team after a long break, Enes Ünal took the field in the A Milli Team shirt for the first time in 726 days. The forward, who has had a good season at LaLiga club Getafe, had previously played for the national team in the UEFA Nations League match against Wales on 16 November 2024.

Oğuz Aydın was preferred at right-back because Zeki Çelik was not fully fit. Zeki Çelik was among the substitutes. Captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu also waited on the bench for his chance. Goalkeeper Serhat Öztaşdelen, who was in the provisional squad, was not included in the match squad.