Turkey 0-0 Wales Player Ratings: A goalless contest unfolds between Turkey and Wales

In an evenly matched contest, Turkey and Wales shared spoils in the captivating goalless draw in the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League B Group 4 fixture at the Kadir Has Stadium in Turkey, on Saturday. Following the draw, the automatic qualification to League A is still at stake as both sides will now be heading into final matchday 6 carrying hopes to secure first place finish and make it through directly, bypassing play-offs.

Turkey remains at the top of the points table with 11 points and their British rivals are second with 9 points in their hand, making things even more close for the final matchday. Notably, both sides are still unbeaten in the competition so far. The host dominated the stats but the guest showed a resilient mindset to counter the series of attacks and subsequently, no team could break the deadlock. Nonetheless, Turkey were awarded a golden chance as a Penalty 5 minutes before regulation time but unfortunately, it was Kerem Akturkoglu.

Turkey National Football Team Player Ratings vs Wales

Goalkeeper

Mert Günok (7.5/10)

Although, he did not face much of a challenge in goal from Wales but was reliable with his safe pair of hands and footwork, especially passing skills

Defenders

Mert Müldür (7/10)

He was brilliant as the Right back with his long balls, and bursting run and maintained accuracy in his passing while recording 62 touches playing the entire match.

Merih Demiral (7.5/10)

He was calm and collected in the build-ups at the heart of the Turkish defence clearing off any potential danger and wore the captain’s armband in 2nd half following Calhanoglu’s substitution at halftime.

Abdülkerim Bardakci (7.5/10)

The central defender played an impressive 14 passes into the final third and 6 clearances to safeguard the goal, overall he had a brilliant outing.

Evren Eren Elmali (7.5/10)

A solid display of attacking and defensive qualities from Elmali covering the backline winning duels over Brennan Jonhson and continuously making overlapping runs on left channels providing depth in attack.

Midfielders

Orkun Kökcü (7/10)

Surely, one of the brightest performers for the hosts had three shots and created two chances all while playing as a pivot in the midfield.

Hakan Calhanoglu (7/10)

The Turkish skipper was taken off after the 45-minute mark but did make an impact from the midfield with his line-breaking passes into the attack’s third

Arda Güler (6/10)

The teenager did not hesitate to take his chances from outside of the box, however, Wales defenders were quick to surround space to limit his shooting chances and playmaking.

Yunus Akgün (7.5/10)

The in-form winger from Galatasaray was the best Turkish player on the pitch and was blazing on the right flank and won a crucial penalty after clever his side link-up play in the box.

Kerem Akturkoglu (6/10)

In the final stages of the game, Akturkoglu might have had the chance to become the hero of his country on the night by slotting home the penalty kick from the spot but ended up hitting it wide on the pole.

Forward

Baris Alper Yilmaz (6/10)

The 24-year-old could not do much during 60-minute involvement besides playing two passes into the final third.

Substitutes

Ismail Yüksek (6.5/10)

Enes Ünal (6/10)

Mehmet Zeki Celik (6.5/10)

Kaan Ayhan (N/A)

Manager

Vincenzo Montella (7/10)

Without a doubt, his side Turkey, dominated the match keeping the majority of the ball possession, passes, the number of shots on target, and corners. However, the visitors did not back down despite a wave of attacks and held the hosts to a goalless draw at home turf.

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Wales National Football Team Player Ratings vs Turkey

Goalkeeper

Karl Darlow (7.5/10)

Darlow was more than impressive and kept his side alive in the game making key saves pulling off three important saves while also making 17 recoveries in goal.

Defenders

Neco Williams (6.5/10)

He was having a decent game until the Forest left-back gave away the penalty bringing down Yunus Akgün inside the 18-yard box.

Connor Roberts (6.5/10)

Roberts was solid enough in defending and passing was on point too.

Joe Rodon (7.5/10)

Got a head injury after colliding with his teammate but it did not stop him from putting out an amazing performance in defence alongside Davies.

Ben Davies (7.5/10)

A commanding role from Welish’s captain, Davies was rock solid in the backline as no Turkish managed to dribble past the 31-year-old defender.

Midfielders

Jordan James (6/10)

Even though he was playing as a holding midfielder did not get enough of the ball and only recorded 28 touches in the game in the 70-minute outing.

Josh Sheehan (6/10)

The 29-year-old midfielder played as a holding midfielder and did quite well in helping out the defence.

Harry Wilson (7.5/10)

He came close to breaking the deadlock with his long-distance left-footed effort but was denied by the right post to celebrate his fourth consecutive international goal.

Sorba Thomas (6.5/10)

Nantes winger showed commendable determination in going forward and played key passes while also delivering a couple of accurate crosses from wide channels.

Forwards

Brennan Johnson (7/10)

Tottenham Hotspur’s attacker gave away the ball poorly and picked up a yellow card but was a great help in dropping deep to help in defence

Mark Harris (6.5/10)

An injury scare cut short his outing, and consequently, he was benched during the half-time interval. Daniel James came on to replace him up front.

Substitutes

Daniel James (6.5/10)

Liam Cullen (6/10)

David Brooks (5.5/10)

Lewis Koumas (N/A)

Manager

Craig Bellamy (7/10)

Bellamy’s resilient Wales gave Turkey a tough time on their home soil. His side defended with sheer determination and opted to sit back and hit them on the counter and even succeeded in the plan often coming close to scoring.

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