Kenan Yildiz has found himself adapting to a new role as a winger at Juventus this season, a shift prompted by the club’s depth in midfield following the summer transfer window. Initially, the young Turkiye international had shown promise playing as an attacking midfielder behind striker Dusan Vlahovic. However, with the arrival of new midfield talent like Teun Koopmeiners, the central attacking role has become highly competitive. As a result, Yildiz has been deployed more frequently on the left wing, where he is expected to cut inside and utilize his strong right foot to create scoring opportunities.

While Yildiz demonstrated his potential in this position by scoring a well-taken goal against PSV in the Champions League, his performances have been inconsistent, leading to some doubts among fans regarding his long-term suitability for the role. His ability to influence games from the wing has been questioned, with many supporters wondering if his natural skill set would be better utilised in a central position.

Yildiz scoring against PSV

Addressing these concerns, Juventus manager Thiago Motta stated that Yildiz’s development is on track while acknowledging the need for improvement. As quoted by Tuttomercatoweb, Motta said: “Yildiz is fine, he needs to improve in all aspects of the game, but like everyone else. He must always be connected to the team, from the defensive phase to concentration. He is a young player, but already a great player that we must exploit in the best way, both as a winger and as a midfielder. However, I am convinced that great players can play anywhere and very well.”

Motta’s remarks underline his belief in Yildiz’s versatility, suggesting that the 18-year-old possesses the talent to excel in multiple roles. For now, Juventus appears committed to refining Yildiz’s game on the wing, where he has also been used by the Turkiye national team. His ongoing adaptation will require him to deliver consistent performances, maintain a high level of concentration, and contribute effectively to both offensive and defensive phases.