Turkish Wonderkid Names Ronaldo, World’s Best; Nigerian Star, Turkey’s Best

Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is the best footballer on the planet, and a Nigerian international is the most talented in Turkey, says Turkish youth international Gökdeniz Bayrakdar

Antalyaspor winger Gökdeniz Bayrakdar is impressed with the attacking ability of Trabzonspor forward Anthony Nwakaeme and has named the Super Eagles ace as the most exciting footballer in Turkey.

Nwakaeme has been one of Nigeria’s best players in Turkey since he moved to Trabzonspor from Israel’s Hapoel Be’er Sheva in the summer of 2018.

Despite being deployed predominantly on the wings, Nwakaeme netted ten times in just 27 league matches in his debut season in Trabzon.

The former Hapoel Ra’anana forward then fired in 11 Super Lig goals and nine assists last term to guide Trabzonspor to a runners-up spot in the league and another two strikes to help his side to glory in the Turkish Cup and Super Cup.

The 31-year-old has yet again been crucial for the Sea Storm, finding the back of the net six times to power the side from battling relegation earlier in the campaign to within six points of third-placed Fenerbahçe.

Nwakaeme exploits have not gone unnoticed with Turkish football wonderkid Bayrakdar, who also rates Ronaldo ahead of Barcelona icon Lionel Messi. 

“There are lots of talented players around the world,” the talented 19-year-old told Karadeniz Gazete when asked to name his favourite players in the Turkish league and the world.

“If I must say only one footballer, I can say Cristiano Ronaldo. What interests me more than his abilities is discipline.

“He does not make any concessions, and despite his old age, he can reflect the same alive image on the field thanks to his discipline.

“In Turkey, the name I have enjoyed watching, Anthony Nwakaeme. I love his talent for playing.”

Despite his brilliance, Nwakaeme has been capped just once for the Super Eagles, earning his only appearance in a 1-1 World Cup qualifying draw against Algeria in 2017.