Besiktas Face Midfield Crisis as Hopes Rest on Junior Olaitan

Besiktas are grappling with a growing injury crisis as they navigate a demanding schedule across the Trendyol Süper Lig and the UEFA Europa League. Orkun Kökçü had already missed the away trip to Trabzonspor and the Crystal Palace fixture due to a toe injury, and spirits took a further hit when Fabio Miretti suffered a right shoulder injury. With the Italian midfielder, one of Kökçü's key alternatives, expected to be sidelined for roughly a month and a half, head coach Vincenzo Italiano now has considerably fewer options in central midfield.

Ahead of tomorrow's ninth-round Süper Lig clash against Başakşehir at Tüpraş Stadium, the Italian coach is left with only four fit central midfielders: Wilfried Ndidi, Salih Özcan, Kartal Kayra Yılmaz and Junior Olaitan. Since Ndidi, Salih and Kartal Kayra are natural holding midfielders who typically occupy the number six role, Junior Olaitan currently stands as the only player capable of operating in both defensive and attacking phases the way Kökçü and Miretti do.

That reality places significant responsibility on Junior Olaitan for the Başakşehir match. Under Italiano's guidance, the Beninese midfielder has elevated his game considerably in recent weeks. Against Crystal Palace, he brought energy to the match in just 26 minutes on the pitch, succeeding with two of his three attempted dribbles and carrying the ball into the final third seven times to help Besiktas apply pressure. He capped off that impressive showing with a brilliant goal of his own.

This season in European competition, Junior Olaitan has featured in nine matches, directly contributing to six goals through five goals and one assist. He has also provided two assists in the Trendyol Süper Lig, and his 24-year-old talent has not gone unnoticed by bigger clubs. According to reports, several Premier League sides, along with some notable Bundesliga clubs, are closely monitoring the Beninese star.