Joga Europa: A Look at Turkey’s SporToto Super Lig
Welcome to today’s installment of Joga Europa, the biweekly European soccer column here at Where We Watch. This week, we will examine a lesser-known, but still fiercely exciting league in Europe; Turkey’s SporToto Super Lig. Though Turkish football was lagging in terms of international and European success for most of the 20th century, the new millennium brought about a reinvigorated and successful Turkish football scene, starting with Galatasary SK’s capture of the Europa League (formerly UEFA Cup) trophy in 2000. Internationally, the Turkish team saw unprecedented success in the World Cup and Euro competitions of 2000, 2002 and 2008.
Like many European leagues, the Super Lig is dominated by a group of four teams who have taken the championship every year for the entirety of the competition until the 2009/2010 season. Since goals are what we all watch for, let’s look at these fantastic games through the top 10 goals in recent Super Lig history and the players behind them.
No. 10 – Daniel Guiza
This artful volley came just recently for the former Spanish golden boot winner who was plagued by injuries, causing him to miss most of the season. Though he was reportedly on the outs with his team, this goal was a return to form and the team’s recent championship may have secured his future.
No. 9 – Ricardo Quaresma
Though Quaresma’s certainly wasn’t the foot to place the ball in the goal, he made it happen and that’s what counts. Quaresma, the Portuguese winger, has traveled through some of Europe’s best clubs including Inter, Barcelona and Chelsea. Now he plays for Besiktas, one of the four dominant teams in Turkey, and his magician-like skills contribute to his team’s success.
No. 8 – Hugo Almeida
Though his goal also comes from an assist, this Portuguese footballer’s secondary effort puts him on the map. Almeida, after traveling throughout Portuguese and German teams, settled in Turkey playing alongside Quaresma for Besiktas SK. This tall center forward’s aerial ability, as well as his skill off dead balls, continues to plague the many keepers he faces.
No. 7 – Cristian Baroni
Most major teams have a preference for foreign talent, and while Besiktas favors Portuguese players, Fenerbahce SK (winner of the 2010/2011 season) prefer Brazilians like CristianBaroni, the defensive midfielder with punishing long-range kicks. Winner of the Super Lig trophy for 2 years with Fenerbahce, Baroni continues to be a valued substitute for the team.
No. 6 – Cenk Tosun
The youngster is the first Turk to make the list, playing for Gaziantepspor in his first season in the SporToto Super Lig. The forward looks to have a bright career ahead of him as evidenced by his 10 goals in just 14 appearances for his new club.
No. 5 – Alex De Souza
Sometimes it is difficult to separate those players that are merely superstars for a team from those that are simply and truly icons. Alex, known by the simple first name in Turkey, is an icon (or villain depending on your inclinations) because of his ceaseless contributions to the successes of Fenerbahce SK.
No. 4 – Servet Cetin
Following in the traditions of central defenders scoring amazing (and lucky) bicycle kick goals, ServetCetin’s goal manages to wow a crowd and add excitement to any game merely by the reversal of one’s standard physical orientations. Though the defender has found the net in the past, his offensive contributions have never been quite so artful.
No. 3 – Issiar Dia
Capitalizing on the assist from fellow Senegalese player MamadouNiang, Dia nails a fancy passing finish to score one of two goals in his debut season at Fenerbahce SK. The winger, suffering from injuries for much of the season, looks to make further contributions and a full recovery in hopes of a title defense during the 2011/2012 season.
No. 2 – Ricardo Quaresma
Though most would expect goal-scoring countdowns to be dominated by forwards, it is the midfielders who frequently come through with the most spectacular and eye-catching finishes. This fabulous strike is the second appearance of Quaresma on this countdown and it reinforces his skill and promise as a player.
No. 1 –Kader Keita
This former Galatasaray winger gets the top spot in this countdown for this long-range strike that bounced in off the post. The Ivory Coaster belongs to a football family with his older brother also playing for Ivory Coast in the past. Though he has now moved on to another team, his strike occasionally graces highlight shows and screens in Turkey.
Honorable Mention
(Or possible other No. 1? You decide.)
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Though this happens to my favorite goal of the season, I do have to acknowledge the potential bias shown by choosing one of my favorite players from my favorite team on the planet. However, the goal is superb enough to stand on it’s own.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this look at the SporToto Super Lig in Turkey.
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