Previously dubbed the ‘Danish Messi’ until a change of national allegiance, it would be appropriate to call the prodigiously talented 18-year old Emre Mor a ‘Turkish delight’ after surprisingly being included in Turkey’s 31-man provisional Euro 2016 squad.
But just who is Emre Mor and how good the young lad is that experienced Turkey coach Fatih Terim showed enough courage to give such a young player a chance to rub shoulders with seasoned Turkish players in their preparations for the European Championships in France!
Born to Turkish parents in the Danish city of Brønshøj, Mor represented Denmark in the U-17, 18 and 19 levels before disappointing Danish fans by switching his loyalty to the Turkish Football Federation and the FC Nordsjælland winger was called up in March by the Turkish U-21 side for his only cap till date against the Slovakia U-21 team in a 2017 UEFA European U-21 Championship qualification match.
Much has already been spoken about in the influential European media regarding Mor’s raw talent and with scouts from Manchester City, Ajax Amsterdam, Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund keeping tab on the player’s growth in the competitive surroundings of the Danish Superliga, his call-up to the senior national team squad would have increased his demand a notch higher.
Practically speaking, Fatih Terim is experienced enough not to straightaway throw a young lad into the ferociously passionate Turkish national limelight and in all probability, Emre Mor will not make the final squad but it is all about giving valuable international exposure to a youngster who has enormous potential to sign up for any of Europe’s top club academies in the coming summer transfer window.
Mr. Terim wants to use this invaluable Euro 2016 preparatory camp as a platform for further success as far as Emre Mor’s career is concerned. With the Turks playing two tough friendlies against England (May 22) and Montenegro (May 29) before the squad is cut to 23, Mor will be given the chance to showcase his football skills at the very highest level but it is hard to see him make the final squad. Although coach Terim is keeping his options very close to his chest.
Playing style
Extremely fast and pacy down the wings, Mor’s technique is all about keeping the ball on his feet as long as possible. He makes up for his short height (5ft 6 in) with immense creativity and versatility. Not afraid to take on experienced physical defenders of the Danish Superliga, Mor’s acute dribbling and subtle stepovers are a treat to watch.
“What he is capable of is extraordinary. He has got so much speed in his feet, and he is so unpredictable. Just when you expect him to pass, he makes another dribble instead and changes direction. And when he does that, you do not catch him – that is plain impossible."Kasper Hjulmand, Nordsjælland coach(speaking to UEFA’s official website)
Although it is unfair to make the usual comparison with Lionel Messi, yet Mor’s aggressive dribbling, tireless running and good finishing remind one of the great man in his early years but the young Turk is keeping his feet firmly on the ground.
It remains to be seen whether Fatih Terim is drawn into the popular Turkish demand of including Mor in the final squad, but the former Galatasaray and AC Milan coach would have seen enough of the lad by the time the friendlies are over on May 29 before making up his mind.
