Turkish-football.com Defense of 2012-13 (Mid-season)
2012-12-28 10:01:50
Dede - Eskişehirspor: The Brazilian left-back plays with such, vigor, energy and drive that he leaves you thinking whether a mistake was made on his birth certificate as officially he is supposed to be 34 years old. However, plays like a man not a day over 24.
Dede is one of the most impressive fullbacks in the league, the EsEs left-back bombs up and down the pitch tirelessly throughout the game and is as comfortable defending as he is attacking.
The former Borussia Dortmund star has played an important role in EsEs going into the mid-season break in fifth position.
Semih Kaya - Galatasaray: Semih as his surname suggests has been the rock in Galatasaray's defense for the second season running. Also known as the, Iceman, by the Lions faithful for remaining calm under pressure Semih has had to step up to Champions League football for the first time and despite a few minor scares has done a stellar job for such a young defender.
Semih is just 21-years-old and has already won the Turkish Super League, cemented himself as a first team regular, won the Super Cup, gained international experience and made it into the Champions League Round of 16.
The Turkish international defender isn't the finished article yet however, the future looks very bright for young Semih.
Sol Bamba - Trabzonspor: Bamba has settled in well to life and Turkey and has been one of the chief architects in creating the strongest defense in the league.
Trabzonspor have only conceded 15 goals this season, no other team has let in fewer goals and Bamba has played a major role in helping achieve this impressive stat.
Emmanuel Eboue - Galatasaray: Eboue has had to take a double shift so far this season as Hamit Altintop failed to show up for the first half of 2012-13.
The Ivory Coast international has defended well, in fact only 10 per-cent of goals conceded have come down his flank. The 29-year-old right-back also likes to get forwards and contribute to attacking moves.
The former Arsenal player has bags of experience, playing in some of the biggest derbies over years from, Arsenal-Tottenham, to Arsenal-Chelsea, high pressure Champions League as well as the Intercontinental derby against Fenerbahçe.
The main concern for Galatasaray is how they will cope with Eboue being out with African Cup of Nations duty.
Substitutes
Bekir İrtegün - Fenerbahçe: Apart from an own goal in the Intercontinental derby against Galatasaray Bekir İrtegün has been one of the Yellow Canaries most solid defenders.
Bekir was selected for UEFA.com Europa League team of the group stages. According to the European football body: "Bekir has long been established in Turkey but has improved impressively last season and this.
Dany - Galatasaray: Dany has been one of the surprise success stories of the season, signed primarily as a backup, the Cameroon international has managed to supplant Cris from the center back position and earn himself a regular starting XI spot.
The 26-year-old defender has built a reputation for giving his best performances when it counts most, Dany even managed to keep Robin van Persie quiet in the Champions League. Dany can lose concentration at times however, he's a strong, fast defender who is comfortable on the ball.
