Caner Erkin

In this scout report of Caner Erkin, the veteran Eyüpspor defender, it's clear his game is defined by a blend of experience and technical prowess. At 36, Erkin's defensive acumen isn't about raw pace or power but rather astute positioning and intelligent ball recovery, though his 1v1 defending could be sharper. His knack for progressive passing is outstanding, consistently steering the play forward, a skill not often seen in defenders of his age. While his penalty area defending is solid, it's his flair for chance creation that truly stands out, a testament to his years spent honing an eye for an opening. Although not a natural goal threat, Erkin's ability to retain possession and transition from defence to attack makes him an invaluable asset in orchestrating the play from the back. His style of play, marked by a high level of ball retention, ensures he's a calming presence in the defensive line, adept at handling pressure and setting the tempo for a team looking to build from the back.