Arda Turan look set to gain some vital match action when Barcelona play Espanyol in the Copa del Rey last-16 second leg on Wednesday night.
The 28-year-old signed for the Catalans last summer but was unable to play before the club’s transfer embargo was lifted in January and only made his debut for the Spanish giants in the first leg of the cup tie seven days ago.
He made his La Liga debut in Barca’s 4-0 victory over Granada at the weekend and earned himself an assist in setting up Lionel Messi for the opening goal of the game.
The Fatih-born ace has won 87 caps for Turkey and looks a certainty to be in the squad for Euro 2016, but coach Fatih Terim will want him to get as much playing time under his belt as possible ahead of the France showpiece.
Barca boss Luis Enrique has so much talent at his disposal that it will be tough for the former Atletico Madrid schemer to earn a regular starting berth in the side and he will need to impress at any given opportunity to oust the established stars.
Therefore, cup games such as the midweek match-up with the the Periquitos will be important for Turan as he looks to re-establish himself as one of the top midfielders around.
Aleix Vidal is in the same situation, having signed at the same time as Turan, but Enrique made it clear last summer after the duo signed up that they are very much part of his plans.
“I wanted both to arrive here as soon as possible,” he said at the time. “I am delighted and I take the opportunity to congratulate Barca’s interim management for signing Turan, a key player for us and whom we have a lot of confidence in.”
Barca opened up a 4-1 first-leg lead and are 1.36 to win on the night with Espanyol on offer at 8.50.
Leave a comment
Link Dafabet