Eren Elmalı
GalatasarayLB
Overlapping Full Back
Jul 7, 2000 (25)
Left
5'11"
168 lb
Ranking
Grades
Key Grades
This season
Overall Grades by game
This season
News
Plays 80 minutes in friendly
Elmali (undisclosed) played 80 minutes in Saturday's 2-1 victory over Venezuela, confirming his full fitness ahead of Turkey's World Cup opener on June 13.
Analysis: Elmali had returned to full training earlier in the week after being forced off during Monday's friendly against North Macedonia, and his extended run-out against Venezuela is the clearest sign yet that the left-back is ready to contribute throughout the tournament. Coach Vincenzo Montella will be pleased to have his full complement of defensive options available as Turkey's World Cup preparations enter their final stage.
Minor injury likely
Elmali (undisclosed) was substituted after 27 minutes of Monday's 4-0 victory against North Macedonia with an apparent injury, though the issue is believed to be minor given he has been called up for the World Cup, the federation posted.
Analysis: Elmali's early exit added to Turkey's defensive concerns with Ferdi Kadioglu also carrying a knock, but his inclusion in the final World Cup squad suggests the coaching staff are confident the issue will not prevent him from being available for the tournament. The staff will monitor his condition over the coming days before providing any further clarity ahead of Turkey's World Cup opener.
Explore more players
Virgil van Dijk
LIV• #4• CB
Alejandro Grimaldo
B04• #20• LWB
Marcos Llorente
ATM• #14• RB
Fredrik Sjøvold
BOD• #20• RBSelect Player
Search and select a player to compare