Lars Ricken praises Göktan Gürpüz: “He has a high level of game intelligence”
Borussia Dortmund director of youth performance centre Lars Ricken has praised highly rated midfielder Göktan Gürpüz, who recently signed his first professional contract with the club.
Göktan Gürpüz is considered to be one of Borussia Dortmund’s best young talents. He made a good impression on both Marco Rose and Marco Reus during pre-season, and has been one of the top performers for the U-19s this season. The young midfielder signed his first professional contract with the Black and Yellows earlier this month, and the club even revealed that he is set to be a part of the first-team squad starting from next season.
Borussia Dortmund director of youth performance centre Lars Ricken has heaped praise on Göktan Gürpüz, saying that the 18 year old has really good game intelligence. In an interview with Ruhr Nachrichten, the legendary BVB midfielder said:
"“I can still remember when he was an U-17 player in the Youth League game against FC Barcelona and was the best player on the pitch. That was when everyone first saw that he is a really good football player. He has a high level of game intelligence, is quick to act and recognizes the spaces in which he has to move. The more he can play with good football players, the more he will be able to use his strengths.”"
Gürpüz has made a total of 15 appearances for the Borussia Dortmund U-19s so far this season, scoring one goal and registering seven assists. Three of those assists came in the group stage of the UEFA Youth League. His performances saw him earn his maiden call-up to the Germany U-19s squad earlier this season. And he was also included in the Borussia Dortmund first team squad for three Bundesliga games earlier this season.
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Gürpüz, who joined Borussia Dortmund from Schalke 04 in 2016, certainly has a very bright future ahead of him. His younger brother Gökdeniz Gürpüz, who currently plays for the U-17s, also signed a long-term contract with Borussia Dortmund earlier this month.