Ugur Yildirim is still waiting for a successor in the Dutch national team. The former wing attacker, who made his the Dutch debut in February 2005, is still the only player of Turkish origin to play for the Netherlands sixteen years later. Yildirim is gloomy about his succession, although he does not rule out the possibility that Naci Ünüvar will ever make it to international level of the Dutch national team.
“Maybe one day Naci Ünüvar, but he must first see to break through at Ajax”, explains Yildirim in an interview with The Telegraph. “There are very few Turkish footballers in the Netherlands anyway who would qualify. It is remarkable that there are 450,000 Turks living in the Netherlands and that you have so few Turkish football players in the Eredivisie. The difference with the Moroccans is very big, while there are many Turkish talents in youth football. You would think it’s a mental issue, that so few make it to the top,” concludes the youth coach of Go Ahead Eagles.
Deniz Türüc, now active for Istanbul Basaksehir, eventually opted for an international career with Turkey. “I have played youth international matches for the Netherlands, but from home I love Turkey. We love our national anthem, it gives us goosebumps. From childhood it has been a dream to play for Turkey. It is a beautiful country and I am happy to represent it,” emphasizes the 28-year-old midfielder, with a past at Go Ahead and Fenerbahçe, among others.
Türüc understands why many Turkish players who play abroad ultimately choose to play in the national team of Turkey. “You see a lot of European Turks in the Turkish team, also from Germany. Playing for Turkey appeals to her more. Emotions also play a role in this.” Türüc will certainly give Turkey a chance in the Johan Cruijff ArenA on Tuesday evening. “The Netherlands is strong on the ball, but without the ball they may be a bit sweet, soft. Our tactic was to play aggressively. Turkey knows exactly what to do against the Netherlands. I hope Turkey wins 2-1,” he concluded the conversation with the General Newspaper.