Montella Kept Deniz Gül Fresh: Forward Expected to Start Against Kasımpaşa
Deniz Gül is likely to be included in the starting lineup for the upcoming match against Kasımpaşa, with the 22-year-old forward expected to benefit from limited playing time during the international break.
Turkey head coach Vincenzo Montella called Gül up to the national squad but did not use him extensively. That decision drew criticism, as some observers had expected the young striker to receive more minutes. However, the reduced workload may now prove useful for his club: Gül should be available and physically fresh for the Kasımpaşa fixture.
The forward’s likely place in the starting XI gives him an opportunity to make an impact from the opening whistle. A full start would also offer a clearer indication of how the coaching staff plans to use him and how well he can handle a prominent role in attack.
For a young striker, regular involvement can be as important as short-term results. Starting a match allows a forward more time to find the rhythm of the game, build an understanding with teammates and adjust to the opposition’s defensive approach. If Gül is selected, his movement and ability to link play could be central to his team’s attacking plans.
His limited minutes for Turkey do not necessarily reflect a lack of confidence in his potential. National-team coaches must balance selection decisions with the demands of a particular match, while club coaches can assess a player’s role across a longer stretch of fixtures. In this case, Montella’s choice may simply have left Gül with more energy ahead of his return to club football.
That freshness could be especially valuable in a demanding league schedule. Matches often come close together, and forwards are required not only to create scoring chances but also to press defenders, make repeated runs and contribute to the team’s work without the ball. A player who has not accumulated heavy minutes during the international period may be better placed to meet those demands.
The Kasımpaşa match also presents Gül with a chance to turn a likely starting opportunity into a sustained role. One appearance alone will not determine his long-term standing, but a composed performance could strengthen his case for further minutes. Forwards are often judged on goals, yet their contribution can also be seen in the space they create, the defensive attention they attract and the quality of their combination play.
The coaching staff will have to weigh Gül’s readiness against the needs of the team and the characteristics of the opponent. If he starts, his performance in the opening stages may help shape the match plan. If he is introduced later instead, he could still offer fresh movement against a defence that has already spent much of the game under pressure.
For supporters, the main point is straightforward: despite being called up by Montella, Gül was not heavily used during the national-team period and is now expected to have a leading role against Kasımpaşa. His fitness, confidence and ability to make the most of the opportunity will be closely watched.
The expected selection is not yet a confirmed team announcement, and the final decision will depend on the coaching staff’s assessment before kickoff. Still, the signs point toward Gül being in contention for a place in the first eleven. If that expectation is fulfilled, the 22-year-old will have a timely chance to show what he can offer at club level.