Hasan Al: Trabzonspor should sign Bouchouari in the winter break

According to Hasan Al, Hearts were a tough opponent with their disciplined play, resistance in one-on-one duels, and pressure across the entire pitch. Trabzonspor started the match surprised by this physical approach and conceded two serious chances at their goal.

Al interpreted Onana's decision to go backwards and clear the ball after being beaten to a long ball near the halfway line as a sign of how focused the goalkeeper was. He pointed to Trabzonspor's quick adaptation to the tempo and physicality of the match as the aspect he liked most. The compact Hearts defence was breached by a penalty won by Franculino.

In the second half Hearts' tempo dropped and Trabzonspor circulated the ball more comfortably. When Franculino scored a skillful goal to make it 2-0, the game was effectively over. After the second goal Hearts fell further back and the Bordo Mavililer relaxed.

The writer criticised Thomas Reis for playing Melih at right back after using him on the left. In his view Melih only works as a full back when defence is the only consideration, and this choice does not work once attacking is taken into account. Al called Bouchouari's lack of league form a major loss and wrote that no other signing is needed in the break, as bringing in Bouchouari would be enough. He also found it unfortunate that two talented players are competing for the left-wide attacking position, since one of them will have to be left out.