Cenk Tosun

[pete0]

1 hour ago, Aidan said:

Reminds me of Tim Cahill in the air. 

I think he will be a great player for us especially if we can get some talent in midfield in the Summer.

Same thinking here. Loves a header and constrantly annoying the shit out of the defenders. Opposition will hate, and if he keeps scoring we'll have a new cult hero. 

[Bailey]

Not afraid to give defenders a kick either which is an underrated quality in proper CF.

[Paddock]

I like him- he’s brave and a good finisher.

[Palfy]

When it comes to putting the ball in the net he’s looking as clinical as anyone in this league, his build up play and general involvement wasn’t as good as last week not his fault we missed Gylfi and Tyson more than most, the last couple of games  they worked well together and you could see an understanding being formed by to players with ability and craft, unfortunately that was missing yesterday, maybe Klaassen could be the man while Gylfi is out, it wasn’t Rooney he had a bigger role covering Gana. 

[Sir McGiven]

 So, he gave an interview to one of the biggest and oldest newspapers (Milliyet) in Turkey. Let me try to translate the relevant parts of it;

 

Quote

 

Have you settled into British daily life already?

- Yes, you know I grew up in Germany and UK is similar to Germany, because of that I haven't had any daily-life adaptation problems. The club itself helped me a lot to move into a new house, opening a bank account, to get a vehicle etc. My English is good and my wife can also speak English too, no problems at all.

In EPL, one of the best leagues in the world, the game is faster and physical. Are you having any problems to adapt yourself?

- Turkish league is physical and tough as we know but when I started to play in EPL, I've seen that the football here is more physical than Turkey and tempo is higher as well. They don't call EPL, "the best league in the world", for nothing. Football here is very eye-pleasing. One of my biggest life goals was playing in EPL and I am glad that this dream has come true by signing a contract with Everton which is a big EPL club and has a deep-rooted history.

What is the difference between EPL and Turkish league?

- As I mentioned, the football here is faster and more physical. In Turkey, football is slower and you need to have more technical skills than pace to be succeeded.

Your manager, Sam Allardyce, being criticized for his long-pass based counter-attack style of tactical approach. After being successful under Mr. Senol Gunes whose tactical approach is more attacking and based on short passes, how do you feel in Everton? Which style do you prefer more?

- Mr. Allardyce has his own tactical mentality and been successful as an English Manager for years. Yes, Mr. Gunes was more attack-minded and Mr. Allardyce prefers defensive mentality and creating scoring chances by counter-attacks. Different concepts, different tactical approaches but I do respect both of them. I feel comfortable, whatever my manager asks me to do on the pitch, I am trying to do the best of it.

As we heard, Mr. Allardayce wanted to sign you to the Crystal Palace while he was their manager. Did you receive an official offer back in that time?

- Yes, I did. At the beginning of the season, while he was there, I could say that transfer move was %90 done but there were some minor issues which couldn't have been solved and it didn't happen. Then when he was at Everton, he called me on the phone a lot and told that he is watching my games at Besiktas, he thinks that I can be successful if I play for Everton alongside his intention of signing me for Everton.  He gave me confidence and that was the moment I've decided to sign for Everton. I can say we are getting along really well.

Who is your best friend there?

- We live in a close neighborhood with Klaasen. We are going to training together. Well, I think I do get along well with everybody. If you insist on the names, I can tell Klaassen, Siggy, and Rooney. Again, the whole team was warm and friendly since I've been here for the first time. We've haven't had any problem with any of them so far.

Looks like Everton fans are expecting you to fill the gap of Lukaku, do you feel any pressure?

- No, I don't feel any pressure. His football style and mine are different. I am trying to help the team in my own way and feeling like I will be scoring a lot. I'll be improving my skills non-stop by working hard and will try to earn fans' and club's respect.

You left Besiktas while they were a Champion's League side and looks like it's hard to see Everton there. What do you think about it?

- There is more club from England in Champion's League than Turkey. Maybe it's hard to see it is happening this year but why not next year? Or maybe the year after? It doesn't matter if it is Europa League of Champions League on the other hand... Our club has a culture, good footballers... It wasn't the best start of the season this year for Everton and that's why we are aiming 8th or 9th place at least for now.

What do you think about Wayne?

- Playing with him is really feels good. He helped/helping me on and off the field, his character and vision of the game influencing. There are a lot of things where younger players can learn from him. Obviously, Wayne Rooney is the golden opportunity for the club and for us individually.

Wayne missed a penalty against Brighton. Did you ever sign yourself up for taking it or not?

- We have a list of penalty takers and the first name was Wayne. It's manager's decision, it can be changed or not. I've scored 24 out of 25 penalties in my career and if you ask me, of course, I would like to be taking penalties but again, it's up to the manager himself.

You'll have your first derby next month against Liverpool, how do you feel?

- Well, I've seen Everton - Liverpool derbies before. I've been watching the games on TV and I know what it means for both Everton and Liverpool. It is really important for our fans and the club itself and of course, we want to win. Additionally, it is not hard to guess that I am trying to aim and focus each game individually but for that game specifically, I am trying to be more focused and determined because scoring in the derby as an Everton player is a big dream of mine.

Oumar has played in Turkish league as well, how do you get along with him?

- It's good. He calls me "Brother!" all the time. He did great for Turkish team Akhisar and ended up here after his Russia experience. He is a good friend of mine. Sometimes he'll be carrying our scoring duty, sometimes I will. Competition between us is a must and a way to succeed and effects the team's chance of success in a positive way for sure.

 

 

 

P. S. Please excuse typos and grammar mistakes if there are any. 

P. S. #2 Oh I've missed some parts at the end. Below;

 

Quote

 

Some comments of him on Stoke City game;

I am really happy that I've scored 2 in the game we got away with 3 points. The weather condition was pretty bad and it was making things harder to do on the pitch but winning the game was important for us and I am glad we did it. I do want to thank my teammates as they were perfect in spite of the weather that day.

Some comments of him on his improving performance;

After the training sessions, I am training a bit more with Duncan Ferguson regarding my game style. He is an Everton legend and he is helping me a lot. Recently we are working on my physical attributes and shooting and it is letting me be better on the pitch. I do feel better physically now.

Final comments;

EPL is a season-long league, there is a break in the middle of the season in Turkish league but it is almost non-stop in EPL. That's why I wasn't ready for the league when I first arrived at Everton. I was just out of 15 days mid-season break. I did work on that and I do feel sharper and better now. I will show more performance on the pitch from now on. Regarding the weather in England, it was really cold at first, I wasn't even feeling my hands but I am just becoming better and better every passing day. It's typical England weather, like in Germany, it is my job and I need to get used to it.

 

 

 

Edited March 19, 2018 by Sir McGiven
Typos, grammar, additions etc.

[markjazzbassist]

confident as ever, just really enjoy this guy.  i didn't know that sam wanted him with palace, maybe this wasn't a Walsh signing after all.  gotta give sam credit where it's due then, because he has been a nice signing so far.

[MikeO]

Many thanks for that! 24 out of 25 pens eh? I think we've found Leighton's successor.

[Hafnia]

I really really like the lad.

Maybe he just ticks a ot of the boxes that lukaku didn't... pretty important ones for me.

1.  Attitude and work rate... he looks like he is a team player and already looks a popular person.  His attitude is spot on. Works his balls off. No moaning or gesturing. The lad is positive... the team mates looked delighted for him. See Baines? Had a look of pure joy for the lad. 

 

2. Hold up play.  He looks after the ball... this allows the midfielders to push on.  He also works to get the ball off the defenders. It' a massively underrated attribute to have.

 

3. Brave, strong and aggressive.  Like Gray, sharp, Ferguson, Cahill.... he looks like he would throw his head into a cement mixer.  Lukaku had strength but never used it. Wasn't aggressive.  This lad looks like he's got a good frame and he knows how to use it.  Lacks a bit of pace but he's a proper number 9. 

 

4. He can finish!.... Lukaku got away with a lot of deserved criticism all because he could score.  It was as though goal scoring and general all round play were mutually exclusive.... you couldn't have both.   This lad seems to be able to do a fair bit of everything. Has he any weaknesses?  Lack of pace.... but is that critical? Shearer wasn't quick. 

Pleased with the signing. I'm not going to credit allardyce with it because he tried to wash his hands of responsibility of him when he hadnt even kicked a ball. 

[Sibdane]

He's quickly becoming one of my favorite players. I know it's still early for him, but I think he'll prove to be a great success here. He has the ability and also the determination to succeed.

[jofanon]

Not saying he's as good but he reminds me of Harry Kane - very well rounded but perhaps lack half a yard of pace

Keep it up Cenk.

Its refreshing having an aerial threat for starters - we've not had one since...well...perhaps Cahill?  That's a long time ago

We still need another striker though I think.  Dom doesn't do it for me (not a great finisher), Niasse is an impact sub...feels like we need some more quality here still.

[markjazzbassist]

is he that tall?  he looks small yet somehow gets up for headers.  maybe just slight of frame.

[Romey 1878]

26 minutes ago, markjazzbassist said:

is he that tall?  he looks small yet somehow gets up for headers.  maybe just slight of frame.

6ft. 

[duncanmckenzieismagic]

Sounds like he is definitely an Allardyce signing rather than a Walsh signing and credit where it’s due I think old fat head has played a blinder with both signing and easing Cenk into first team action

[Gwlad]

Saying the right things but I don't think he's trotting out clichés, he seems genuinely made up to be here.

[Wiggytop]

He's settling in very well, happy with what I've seen so far ( bar giving away the free kick that led to Stokes goal at the weekend)

[Hafnia]

2 hours ago, duncanmckenzieismagic said:

Sounds like he is definitely an Allardyce signing rather than a Walsh signing and credit where it’s due I think old fat head has played a blinder with both signing and easing Cenk into first team action

 

Yes but we don't need to give him credit for that.... he takes credit even where it isn'tt due and shifts blame where it does lay at his feet. 

[duncanmckenzieismagic]

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/935183/Everton-Cenk-Tosun-Sam-Allardyce

[Bailey]

On 19/03/2018 at 17:27, duncanmckenzieismagic said:

Sounds like he is definitely an Allardyce signing rather than a Walsh signing and credit where it’s due I think old fat head has played a blinder with both signing and easing Cenk into first team action

 

Yeh he was eased straight into that first game against Spurs... 😃

[duncanmckenzieismagic]

Yeh he was eased straight into that first game against Spurs... [emoji2]

And taken straight back out of the firing line when it was obvious he wasn’t up to speed [emoji6]

[Paddock]

In Alerdyces defence it sounds like he convinced Walcott to come also- if he gets Wiltshire on a free he’s done better than Walsh in 3 signings. 

That doesn’t mean I want him to stay- just Tosun and Walcott are both good signings.

[Hafnia]

7 hours ago, duncanmckenzieismagic said:

And taken straight back out of the firing line when it was obvious he wasn’t up to speed



 

It wasn't obvious though.  Against spurs he looked solid.... occupied their centre halves and got stuck in.

He has done well in spite of Sam's sporadic use - not because of it.

It's an old sandbagging method some managers in business do to get kudos.... they rate a capable person as being shit in a year end review.... they tell the person 'don't worry....i will get you where you need to be'  the only difference the following year is the managers opinion and not the level of performance.  But he will take claim for improving someone to their own manager. 

Tosun was no where near as rusty and far off as allardyce is making out. 

[pete0]

 

On 19/03/2018 at 11:30, Sir McGiven said:

After the training sessions, I am training a bit more with Duncan Ferguson regarding my game style. He is an Everton legend and he is helping me a lot. Recently we are working on my physical attributes and shooting and it is letting me be better on the pitch. I do feel better physically now.

He's not been physically ready, and in the other comments he said about the pace being faster. Alladyce even said it was Tosun who requested extra training to get up to speed. If the manager was trying to take more credit he'd have done a Moyes and said he got the boy to stay and train harder. Both of them deserve a pat on the back. Sam for scouting and man management (of Tosun), and Tosun for his work ethic. 

[Sir McGiven]

He is known for his work-rate mate. He has never been a super talented footballer but he likes to work hard, do extra training and improve his skills. As it is mentioned here many times, he has learned a lot from Demba Ba and Mario Gomez but on the other hand he also gets along with them, people like him as he shows his intention learning something from them then people help him.

For example, last year after the Besiktas' crowned again, all of our players were on holiday but Cenk, even when he is on holiday, took his trainer with him and worked together with all day. Fitness, technique etc... There are short videos on his Instagram from his pieces of training during the summer time.

What makes him special and why all the fans become admirer so far where he served is lying under his character IMO. I don't know him personally but what we see let us think that he has a great personality, getting along really well with his team-mates which lets them help him on and off the pitch. I think none of them would do the same thing for a douche like Balotelli for example. I am not surprised that he is on extra training with Duncan and Shakespear praises his work ethic, Walcott hails him as a striker as well.

I don't know how much Everton as a team or its supporters cares about but Turkish people are patriotic and emotional in such cases. Once they love a person, they can support anything that person does, blindly. So, he is a good asset for Everton to have for its globalization and may generate a significant income from Turkish market if marketing department plays smart. I know or let's say, I guess, a lot of Everton fans sick and tired of Turkish raid on Everton posts on any social media tool but it can be turned into a benefit for the club. It's like you have a river nearby with high flow rate, either you can build a hydroelectric plant and turn it into electric then sell or let it run freely.

I will give you a small example of my environment nowadays,

I left my job recently and not working at the moment. We used to post sports related articles on a blog we've created when we were in college with my friends, approx. 10 years ago and the biggest part of that blog was about Premier League. We used to meet in Irish pubs in Istanbul, sit together with English and Irish people who live in Istanbul and watch the games together, chat with them etc. which was letting us sharing our thoughts on the blog weekly. That blog has become popular somehow on media, it has drawn attention back to those days, they have started to use our articles, even some of my friends jumped in the media to become commentators. After an arguably small introduction of it, what I was trying to say is, I do not remember any posts about Everton. Around 10 articles each week for 2 years on that blog, no Everton posts.

Now, as I am not working atm, we meet with some of those friends but this time everyone's attention is on Everton. Everybody wants to meet to watch Everton games. "United playing Liverpool? Screw it, let's meet on Saturday evening for Everton game."

 

Well, sorry for the long post again and some off-topic additions on it but long story short, Cenk will be a good asset for the team in the future as long as he continues to serve with his football and in other ways I mentioned.

[pete0]

13 minutes ago, Sir McGiven said:

Well, sorry for the long post again and some off-topic additions on it but long story short, Cenk will be a good asset for the team in the future as long as he continues to serve with his football and in other ways I mentioned.

No need to apologise. Appreciate the views, more so of a fan who's watched him week in, well out. As for digressing welcome to toffee talk, puns are just around the corner. 

[duncanmckenzieismagic]

It wasn't obvious though.  Against spurs he looked solid.... occupied their centre halves and got stuck in.
He has done well in spite of Sam's sporadic use - not because of it.
It's an old sandbagging method some managers in business do to get kudos.... they rate a capable person as being shit in a year end review.... they tell the person 'don't worry....i will get you where you need to be'  the only difference the following year is the managers opinion and not the level of performance.  But he will take claim for improving someone to their own manager. 
Tosun was no where near as rusty and far off as allardyce is making out. 

Tosun himself has said he wasn’t ready, he hadn’t played for weeks because of their winter break, and he has commented on how much faster it is in the Premiership
The player requested extra sessions and has thanked the manager for ‘protecting him’ and the staff for improving his fitness
I think we all want to see the back of Allardyce but it’s quite clear he has played this out perfectly , you need to get over your hatred of Sam and see it for what it is

[Hafnia]

11 hours ago, duncanmckenzieismagic said:

Tosun himself has said he wasn’t ready, he hadn’t played for weeks because of their winter break, and he has commented on how much faster it is in the Premiership
The player requested extra sessions and has thanked the manager for ‘protecting him’ and the staff for improving his fitness
I think we all want to see the back of Allardyce but it’s quite clear he has played this out perfectly , you need to get over your hatred of Sam and see it for what it is





 

I don't buy it.  I think the poor bastard realised that he almost has to agree with the gravy drinking slob....  I see these interviews as nothing more than attempting to remain in favour. 

If he came out and said "I have always been ready"..... you reckon he would get a game? Allardyce is a vindictive egomaniac. 

Allardyce said cenk doesn't like the cold.... he scored 2 on a blustery cold day in stoke.  In short Sam is full of shit

[Shukes]

But his first few matches showed Haf. He did look off the pace, and not fit enough. I remember commenting that I was suprised with his first few matches he’s wasndeacribed as a hard worker.... but seemed to be jogging through the matches. He was also getting knocked to the floor way too easily.

Credit to him though. He now looks strong and a lot fitter. That’s where his hard work has payed off.

Im no fan of Sam. And I don’t think it’s really down to him, but rather the coaching staff who have helped him.

[markjazzbassist]

1 hour ago, hafnia said:

I don't buy it.  I think the poor bastard realised that he almost has to agree with the gravy drinking slob....  I see these interviews as nothing more than attempting to remain in favour. 

If he came out and said "I have always been ready"..... you reckon he would get a game? Allardyce is a vindictive egomaniac. 

Allardyce said cenk doesn't like the cold.... he scored 2 on a blustery cold day in stoke.  In short Sam is full of shit

agreed i think Cenk is a smart guy and realizes to just play along with Sam so he can play.  He's been to a few clubs before and knows the drill.  plus he's a great guy probably the older guys Baines Jags etc. told him how Sam is to help him adjust.  

34 minutes ago, Shukes said:

But his first few matches showed Haf. He did look off the pace, and not fit enough. I remember commenting that I was suprised with his first few matches he’s wasndeacribed as a hard worker.... but seemed to be jogging through the matches. He was also getting knocked to the floor way too easily.

Credit to him though. He now looks strong and a lot fitter. That’s where his hard work has payed off.

Im no fan of Sam. And I don’t think it’s really down to him, but rather the coaching staff who have helped him.

And if you watch the matchday threads on when sam finally played him everyone was still bashing him about "he's out of form" "too slow" "not ready for the prem yet" and then BANG scores that goal, and all of a sudden it's "hes done well"  "sam played it perfectly".  Had he not scored Sam and fans would have said the same things they did before.

 

maybe he's like a naismith, he doesn't look easy on the eye but works his ass off and scores out of sheer determination and will.  maybe he will never be fast, but it doesn't matter.

[Sir McGiven]

I don't think he will be as fast as desired tbh. I don't know, I am not a sports scientist or a doctor but getting faster doesn't look like something that can be improved at any age to me, you are either fast and born that way or not. That's how I think through what I see so far.

He can learn advanced pace techniques (like taking longer steps) or dribble techniques which can help him to cover his lack of speed.

Though, looking forward to hearing from someone who knows these kinds of stuff to be enlightened. If a professional says that it is possible, I'm starting to improve my pace as well

[Hafnia]

1 hour ago, Shukes said:

But his first few matches showed Haf. He did look off the pace, and not fit enough. I remember commenting that I was suprised with his first few matches he’s wasndeacribed as a hard worker.... but seemed to be jogging through the matches. He was also getting knocked to the floor way too easily.

Credit to him though. He now looks strong and a lot fitter. That’s where his hard work has payed off.

Im no fan of Sam. And I don’t think it’s really down to him, but rather the coaching staff who have helped him.

No. I think far too much was made of it.

Like most strikers he could have done with a goal pretty quickly.

His all round play was good and still is.