A Short Intro to Samed Yesil
Nicknamed ‘Gerd’ after arguably, one of Germany’s greatest ever marksmen, Gerd Muller, Samed Yesil was snapped up by Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen under a cloud of secrecy. The 18 year old was labeled ‘Gerd’ from his adoring German Youth teammates and, fingers crossed; Yesil will blossom, just like Mr. Muller himself.
After his rather unforeseen capture, Liverpool were quick to quash claims that he was set for a role in the senior squad – obvious rumours after Andy Carroll’s temporary departure to West Ham – Yesil was, however, assigned a role in the youth squad.
The Mesut Ozil lookalike rose quickly through the German national youth ranks, accumulating 22 goals in just 26 appearances in the U16, U17 and U18 set up as well as being the second highest goalscorer at last summer’s FIFA U17 World Cup in Mexico, bagging on six occasions.
“I get stuck in where it hurts because I want to score goals. It doesn’t matter if I get kicked or fouled” – Samed Yesil
Under guidance from Liverpool legend Sami Hyypia, Samed Yesil made his first and only senior appearance at Bayer Leverkusen – the then 17 year old Yesil took to the stage in a league game against Hertha Berlin. Opportunities for the teenager were scarce at Leverkusen, Stefan KieÃling held a firm grasp on the striking position at the BayArena but that didn’t stop Yesil from attracting attention from top European sides.
Labeling him a fox in the box is a wayward remark; two-footed, explosive and powerful on the ball, Yesil is an opportunist. A scheming forward, the 18 year old is deemed an astute conspirator – capable of picking locks in resolute defences. Adaptable and composed, Yesil carries a constant goal threat in whatever position or footballing approach – a managers dream forward. Inured to the ‘tiki-taka’ football method, Yesil possesses the first-rate quality of ‘feasting off the slimmest of pickings’.
Lethal in and around the area, the young prodigy is deserved of his ‘Gerd’ epithet. His inherent and natural awareness connotes not only ominous talent but shows great maturity. He is equally apt at creating chances and rarely shies away from his gritty defensive duties.
Yet to be deemed adequate to challenge for a spot in Rodgers squad, Yesil won’t have to wait long before the elusive call from Rodgers will come. Liverpool's shortage in the attacking department may provide Yesil with his chance to shine.
So there is Samed Yesil. A spirited, chance-gobbling, intellectual forward, set on becoming not only Liverpool’s, but Germany’s next big thing.
