Sunderland central defender Alim Ozturk was signed from Boluspor in the summer.
Sunderland made 12 additions to their side for League One, all of which have been played a part in getting their new side to second in the third-tier table after 16 matches.
Black Cats manager Jack Ross also identified the defence of his new side at the time as a place where he had to strengthen and the Scot made five additions in that area over the summer.
One of those defenders who joined the Wearside club was Turkish player Alim Ozturk and after a tough start to life with his new club, the 25-year-old might’ve moved himself up the pecking order after a fine display against Morecambe in midweek.
Sunderland extended their unbeaten run to 11 matches, eight of which have been wins, with an EFL Trophy win against Morecambe, with the game also securing a place in the knockout rounds.
Ross fielded a young side, which made the victory even more impressive. And at the heart of the former Premier League side’s impressive display was fringe defender Ozturk.
The former Boluspor defender has had a tough season, finding himself at fault for the few goals Sunderland have conceded this term – but Tuesday was different, with the Turkish player looking classy in possession and at ease in a back three.
Ozturk controlled the back three nicely alongside Glenn Loovens, another summer arrival, as well as young defender Jack Bainbridge – constantly playing passes into the feet of the creative wide men and setting up counter-attacks.
Undoubtedly, it’ll be hard to dethrone both Jack Baldwin and Tom Flanagan, two players who are in fine form in the heart of the Wearside back four, but Ozturk has most certainly put his name in the picture with his impressive performance of Tuesday evening.
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