Football legend Michel Platini believes Juventus star Kenan Yildiz is being played out of position. The former Juventus midfielder says the young Turkish talent, who now wears the club’s iconic No. 10 shirt, should be operating through the middle rather than on the wing. Platini says it is a common issue in modern football that doesn't just apply to Yildiz.
Yildiz emerging as one of Serie A’s brightest young stars
The 20-year-old Turkish international joined Juventus as a free agent from Bayern Munich’s youth academy in 2022. Since then, he has developed into one of Serie A’s brightest young stars, scoring goals, creating chances, and handling the pressure of wearing the No.10 jersey once worn by club icons like Platini, Alessandro Del Piero and Paul Pogba.
AdvertisementAFPPlatini questions Yildiz’s role
Platini, one of Juventus’ greatest-ever playmakers, admitted he doesn’t understand why both former coach Thiago Motta and current boss Igor Tudor have deployed Yildiz on the wings. Speaking at the Trento Sports Festival, the 70-year-old said: "He's a number 10 and for me he should play in the center. I don't know why Motta and Tudor have him operating on the wings. Unfortunately, in today's football there's this tendency to move quality players to the flank, when they should play in more central positions. I've been saying it for years, but nobody listens to me."
Contract talks dragging on
Juventus are still working to finalise a new deal with Yildiz, whose current contract runs until 2027, but talks have hit a slowdown. Both sides want an extension until 2030, yet negotiations have been slower than expected. The delay has opened the door for European giants, including Arsenal, Barcelona, Chelsea and Manchester United, who are closely monitoring the situation. Reports claim Chelsea are ready to bid again after having a €70 million (£61m/$81m) bid rejected in July, while Arsenal are reportedly preparing an offer worth €60m (£52m/$70m) plus Gabriel Jesus to tempt the Serie A giants into a sale.
AFPWhat's next for Kenan Yildiz?
Despite being pushed out wide, Yildiz has been one of Juventus’ bright spots this season. He has two goals and four assists in eight appearances across Serie A and the Champions League. While he has gone four games without a direct contribution, the Turkish youngster still stands out. Juventus, meanwhile, have made a mixed start to the campaign, winning just three of their first six matches and sitting fifth in the table. They will look to get back on track when they face Como after the international break on October 19.