Barış Alper Yılmaz
GalatasarayLW
Wide Forward
May 23, 2000 (26)
Right
6'1"
176 lb
Goal and assist in final outing
Yilmaz scored one goal and assisted once from one shot and two chances created in Thursday's 3-2 win over USA.
Analysis: Yilmaz produced his most influential performance of the tournament in the final group game, contributing to two of Turkey's three goals on the night and across the tournament. He assisted Arda Guler in the 10th minute, then saw his deflection off Orkun Kokcu's shot find the net in the 31st and scored himself to complete a memorable individual display. The timing however made it a bittersweet moment for a player who had managed only one shot and one chance created across his previous two appearances of 45 minutes each as Turkey bowed out early.
Seven crosses in defeat
Yilmaz recorded seven crosses (zero accurate) and one tackle in Sunday's 2-0 defeat to Australia.
Analysis: Yilmaz was pulled at halftime for Kenan Yildiz after coach Vincenzo Montella rolled the dice with a major tactical switch, following a first half in which Turkiye failed to generate a single dangerous look from the left side. The winger struggled to get past Australia's right-sided defenders in direct battles and was unable to make an impact with his delivery, finishing with seven crosses and none finding their target. His most memorable moment was an errant forward pass that drew attention from the broadcast team as a snapshot of Turkiye's lack of quality in the attacking third, as the Galatasaray wide man found Australia's physical and disciplined back line too much to break down in his World Cup debut.
Electric wide threat for Turkiye
Yilmaz has been named in Turkiye's World Cup squad and is expected to be one of the most dangerous and direct attacking options at coach Montella's disposal on the flanks throughout the competition.
Analysis: Yilmaz ended an impressive Super Lig campaign with Galatasaray scoring eight goals and providing 12 assists across 30 appearances, establishing himself as one of the most productive wide forwards in Turkish football with a total of 20 goal involvements in the league alone. Yilmaz brings explosive pace, direct running and a reliable end product that makes him a constant threat in transition, and his combination with Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz in Turkiye's attacking lineup gives coach Montella one of the most exciting and unpredictable attacking units in the tournament. Yilmaz heads into the World Cup in the best form of his career and ready to showcase his abilities on the biggest stage in international football.
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