2025-03-29, 01:02 PM - Word count: 1193
(This post was last modified: 2025-03-29, 01:05 PM by Hero19. Edited 1 time in total.)
As the academy season comes to a close and we all eagerly await the draft to see what our respective futures hold, I would be remiss if I did not look back in fondness at the time spent with Istanbul FK.
It was a seasons of highs and lows with exceptional results that had the team resting in 4th position come the end of the season, finishing higher than the predicted 6th place. This success is in no part due to the tactical acumen of all players involved whom frequently came together to provide tactical input.
Relying on the classic 4-2-3-1 tactic that so many teams also came to appreciate, Istanbul were capable of creating chances throughout their games and only strong opposition prevented successful conversion of said opportunities. Expecting to create 4 clear cut chances every 48 minutes evidenced a favour to attacking minded football and this is emphasised in scoring the second highest number of goals this season falling only behind league leaders Port Royal.
Denis Mobek - GK
Denis proved to be an integral player for the Istanbul side that without him would surely have suffered without his goal stopping ability. Accumulating an average rating 7.09 and maintaining 4 clean sheets; the most in the league, in his 14 appearances has shown why he is one of the most clinical shot stoppers in the league and why so many managers of the minors and majors have got their eyes on him.
Alen Patak - DR
Playing in the conventional full back position but capable of shifting between roles, Patak has shown a consistency in his tackling ability securing an 83% tackle completion rate averaging at 2.86 tackles won per game. Additionally his 5 assists from the full back position is certainly something to be noted and contributed to his overall rating of 7.01.
Jovan Jakovljevic - CD
A late addition to the team but a very welcome one. Shoring up the gap that was left vacant saw Jovan sit straight into; and lead, that central defensive partnership. His no nonsense approach presented him a wall in front of Mobek and his aerial control is to be noted having won 71% of all headers he was involved in and creating chances from them consecutively. His final rating of 6.87 is hampered only by his aforementioned late addition. Sadly Jovan has decided to retire just as quickly as he has joined, choosing to purse efforts only known to him, we wish him best wherever he goes.
Sergei Nadj - DL
Nadj proved to be one of the most versatile players on a talented Istanbul team, proving that he is capable of doing any role assigned to him. A 72% tackle completion rate, 6 assists, 1 goal, over-achiever is a word that comes to mind when the discussion of Sergei comes to mind as the young Serbian has proven that he is dedicated enough to provide coverage across the field, getting forward where necessary covering 13.91km per 90 mins whilst simultaneously maintaining an excellent defensive presence. A must have for any team looking to shore up that left side.
Marcel Voda - CM
The definition of a wonderkid, Voda is the puzzle piece that connects the Istanbul defence to it's attacking formation. Exceptional mentals make him a true genius of the pitch, capable of providing solid defensive positioning emphasised by a 79% tackle completion rate and making integral decisions whilst making attacking plays possible through his decision making. Highlighting his contributions 3 goals and 6 assists all of which coming from different positions on the field show an unmatched versatility that emphasises why I predict him to be an easy 1st round pick. a 7.02 rating is criminally underrated for a player that has proven to be the heart of an Istanbul team that would flounder without him.
Milan Krznaric - CM
Whilst Krznaric seems to have gone inactive earlyhis presence was still utilised efficiently. Capable of performing in any of the midfield position to some effect. Often being relied on to appear in the DM position, he has filled roles otherwise left barren, and sacrificed his own interests to support the attacking efforts of the front 3. With a single assist to his name, his contributions, whilst few are still appreciated and still managed to secure a season rating of 6.96.
Marean Dohbra - RW
I could go into lengths about the player whom has pound for pound proved to be the powerhouse of an Istanbul side but I will simply say this, 8 goals, 1 match. Stats like these are no joke but it's these consistent performances which have supplanted him as one of the highlights of not just the team but the entire season. 3rd in goals scored being only three goals shy of the top spot, 6 assists proving he is more than just a goal scorer but an efficient provider. 2 PoM performances, 83% pass completion rate, Dohbra is the definition of an attacking player and his 7.34 rating can't have gone unnoticed.
Thomas Jimotheus - CAM
Forgive me now for my self-adulation but to hell with humility. Jimotheus' team contributions have been made most evident by being 1st in chances created per 90 mins at 1.31. Preferring to sit in the playmaker position and provide opportunities to his quality team mates, he finishes the season with 2 goals and 4 assists. These stats in cooperation with an 81% pass completion rate evidence a strong ability to create opportunity to be finished by a more clinical striker sitting in front of him. Finishing the season with a rating of 7.23 highlights impressive seasons to come.
Stefan Davidovic - LW
In a role that has largely been left barren, Istanbul can colour themselves fortunate to have a strong player in Davidovic to fill that void. A final rating of 6.84 is a poor representation of a player that has made 3 assists and 4 goals in integral games that show that Davidovic is a player that steps up and provides where it counts. His ability to make significant runs in the IF position shows dedication and highlights a strong dribbling game insistent on providing opportunities unselfishly to his team mates.
Predrag Dobric - ST
I am first going to highlight the mental state of Predrag which has to be questioned upon attempting an overhead kick outside of the box which to his credit was on target. Clearly not shy of any confidence in his goal scoring ability, he has the ability to back it up with an impressive 13 goals and 2 assists to his name making him in contention for the striker of the season. 3 PoM performances also make him tied for 2nd in PoM award. Not much needs to be said about the player whom finishes as spectacularly as he does.
To conclude from Hero19, I just want to say thankyou to all of the Istanbul team whom have made these weeks a fun entertaining experience. I look forward to seeing you all on the pitch next season as continued team mates or as new found rivals.
It was a seasons of highs and lows with exceptional results that had the team resting in 4th position come the end of the season, finishing higher than the predicted 6th place. This success is in no part due to the tactical acumen of all players involved whom frequently came together to provide tactical input.
Relying on the classic 4-2-3-1 tactic that so many teams also came to appreciate, Istanbul were capable of creating chances throughout their games and only strong opposition prevented successful conversion of said opportunities. Expecting to create 4 clear cut chances every 48 minutes evidenced a favour to attacking minded football and this is emphasised in scoring the second highest number of goals this season falling only behind league leaders Port Royal.
Denis Mobek - GK
Denis proved to be an integral player for the Istanbul side that without him would surely have suffered without his goal stopping ability. Accumulating an average rating 7.09 and maintaining 4 clean sheets; the most in the league, in his 14 appearances has shown why he is one of the most clinical shot stoppers in the league and why so many managers of the minors and majors have got their eyes on him.
Alen Patak - DR
Playing in the conventional full back position but capable of shifting between roles, Patak has shown a consistency in his tackling ability securing an 83% tackle completion rate averaging at 2.86 tackles won per game. Additionally his 5 assists from the full back position is certainly something to be noted and contributed to his overall rating of 7.01.
Jovan Jakovljevic - CD
A late addition to the team but a very welcome one. Shoring up the gap that was left vacant saw Jovan sit straight into; and lead, that central defensive partnership. His no nonsense approach presented him a wall in front of Mobek and his aerial control is to be noted having won 71% of all headers he was involved in and creating chances from them consecutively. His final rating of 6.87 is hampered only by his aforementioned late addition. Sadly Jovan has decided to retire just as quickly as he has joined, choosing to purse efforts only known to him, we wish him best wherever he goes.
Sergei Nadj - DL
Nadj proved to be one of the most versatile players on a talented Istanbul team, proving that he is capable of doing any role assigned to him. A 72% tackle completion rate, 6 assists, 1 goal, over-achiever is a word that comes to mind when the discussion of Sergei comes to mind as the young Serbian has proven that he is dedicated enough to provide coverage across the field, getting forward where necessary covering 13.91km per 90 mins whilst simultaneously maintaining an excellent defensive presence. A must have for any team looking to shore up that left side.
Marcel Voda - CM
The definition of a wonderkid, Voda is the puzzle piece that connects the Istanbul defence to it's attacking formation. Exceptional mentals make him a true genius of the pitch, capable of providing solid defensive positioning emphasised by a 79% tackle completion rate and making integral decisions whilst making attacking plays possible through his decision making. Highlighting his contributions 3 goals and 6 assists all of which coming from different positions on the field show an unmatched versatility that emphasises why I predict him to be an easy 1st round pick. a 7.02 rating is criminally underrated for a player that has proven to be the heart of an Istanbul team that would flounder without him.
Milan Krznaric - CM
Whilst Krznaric seems to have gone inactive earlyhis presence was still utilised efficiently. Capable of performing in any of the midfield position to some effect. Often being relied on to appear in the DM position, he has filled roles otherwise left barren, and sacrificed his own interests to support the attacking efforts of the front 3. With a single assist to his name, his contributions, whilst few are still appreciated and still managed to secure a season rating of 6.96.
Marean Dohbra - RW
I could go into lengths about the player whom has pound for pound proved to be the powerhouse of an Istanbul side but I will simply say this, 8 goals, 1 match. Stats like these are no joke but it's these consistent performances which have supplanted him as one of the highlights of not just the team but the entire season. 3rd in goals scored being only three goals shy of the top spot, 6 assists proving he is more than just a goal scorer but an efficient provider. 2 PoM performances, 83% pass completion rate, Dohbra is the definition of an attacking player and his 7.34 rating can't have gone unnoticed.
Thomas Jimotheus - CAM
Forgive me now for my self-adulation but to hell with humility. Jimotheus' team contributions have been made most evident by being 1st in chances created per 90 mins at 1.31. Preferring to sit in the playmaker position and provide opportunities to his quality team mates, he finishes the season with 2 goals and 4 assists. These stats in cooperation with an 81% pass completion rate evidence a strong ability to create opportunity to be finished by a more clinical striker sitting in front of him. Finishing the season with a rating of 7.23 highlights impressive seasons to come.
Stefan Davidovic - LW
In a role that has largely been left barren, Istanbul can colour themselves fortunate to have a strong player in Davidovic to fill that void. A final rating of 6.84 is a poor representation of a player that has made 3 assists and 4 goals in integral games that show that Davidovic is a player that steps up and provides where it counts. His ability to make significant runs in the IF position shows dedication and highlights a strong dribbling game insistent on providing opportunities unselfishly to his team mates.
Predrag Dobric - ST
I am first going to highlight the mental state of Predrag which has to be questioned upon attempting an overhead kick outside of the box which to his credit was on target. Clearly not shy of any confidence in his goal scoring ability, he has the ability to back it up with an impressive 13 goals and 2 assists to his name making him in contention for the striker of the season. 3 PoM performances also make him tied for 2nd in PoM award. Not much needs to be said about the player whom finishes as spectacularly as he does.
To conclude from Hero19, I just want to say thankyou to all of the Istanbul team whom have made these weeks a fun entertaining experience. I look forward to seeing you all on the pitch next season as continued team mates or as new found rivals.
