Gameweek 4 in Turkish Süper Lig had many exciting games including a clash between two title contenders. However, Gaziantep FK vs Antalyaspor was an incredible game that featured 7 goals and a great second half comeback for the home side. Antalya ran a 4-2-3-1 with quick players on the wings and they held %61 possession but the 4-1-4-1 ran by Gaziantep had exceptionally quick wingers, so they were really efficient on the counter attacks and Joao Figueiredo benefitted from blunders by defenders of Antalya. The game was in balance for the majority part but the moments of brilliance meant that the game was a dominant 5-2 win for Gaziantep.
Ratings:
- A1 – Very good, could play higher
- A2 – Strong potential to play higher
- B1 – Good, strong player at level
- B2 – Potential to be a strong player at level
- C – Average for the level, rewatch
- D – Below average in this match
Haji Wright
Player Profile:
- Nationality: American/Liberian
- Age: 24
- Date of Birth: 27/03/1998
- Current Club: Antalyaspor
- Career: Antalyaspor, SönderjyskE, VVV-Venlo, Sandhausen(Loan), Schalke 04(Y), NY Cosmos, LA Galaxy(Y)
- Position: Striker
- Preferred Foot: Right
Haji Wright started as the sole striker for Antalyaspor against a defensively strong Gaziantep FK led by Erol Bulut who conceded only 2 goals in 3 weeks before this game. The American striker looked to be on another level compared to his team and scored two goals for them. In the first half, he created so many problems for Gaziantep’s defence. He made very smart runs into the pockets of spaces behind the centre backs. His two goals were from almost the same place, barely in the penalty area and slightly to the left. His finishing was very strong, and he used his right foot very well to beat the keeper. He also helped his teammate many times in defence, dropping down to the first third to pick up balls and press against opponents.
However, the second half was a different story for both Wright and Antalyaspor. They conceded 2 goals in the first 15 minutes of the half and their attacking power seemed like it was shut down. He wasn’t able to get involved with the ball like in the first half and he looked very passive. When they conceded even more games, he seemed like he lacked the motivation to get back into the game. There were of course some other negative sides that one could see with Haji. He lacks the link-up play that is required to become a top striker in the modern game. He can make decent, basic passes but he is not the one to play a smart through ball every once and then. Another thing is his frame can quite confuse you to think he’s a physical striker. But his tall and wide frame is not very useful, he struggles in duels, especially in aerial ones.
Rating – A2
He is a very good player compared to the strikers In Super League and with him being in the USMNT striker pool, he seems like he would make the jump soon to a higher level. He can be a decent option at a mid-table club in Europe with his finishing ability. If he can improve his link-up play and improves mentally, he can become a very complete forward and have a guaranteed place in the USMNT.