Sergen Yalçın puts his trust in Emirhan Topçu for the derby
Beşiktaş are entering the decisive derby week with maximum intensity, and one name stands out in Sergen Yalçın’s plans: Emirhan Topçu. The experienced coach is preparing to hand the defensive keys of the team to the young centre-back if he is declared fully fit in time for the crucial clash in the 28th round of the Trendyol Süper Lig.
The Black-and-Whites have switched to double training sessions per day ahead of the high-pressure away derby, and much of the technical staff’s focus is on monitoring Emirhan’s physical condition. The national defender has been out of action since the league match against Göztepe in February, spending roughly a month away from the pitch. Now, he is pushing himself with additional individual sessions to be ready both physically and mentally to reclaim his place in the starting XI.
Having largely overcome his injury problems, Emirhan has rejoined full-team training, a major step towards a comeback in such an important fixture. Beşiktaş’s medical team has put together an intense treatment and strengthening programme specifically tailored to his needs, aiming to minimize any risk of recurrence and to restore his match fitness as quickly as possible.
Despite having strong alternatives in central defence such as Felix Uduokhai and Tiago Djalo waiting on standby, Sergen Yalçın’s first choice remains Emirhan. This preference is not based on sentiment, but on the trust built through the player’s performances throughout the season. The coaching staff values not only his defensive abilities, but also his understanding of Beşiktaş’s game model and his chemistry with the rest of the backline.
Over the current campaign, Emirhan has featured in 24 matches across all competitions, contributing one goal and consistently delivering solid performances. His reliability, positioning sense and calmness under pressure have earned him the confidence of the technical team. Yalçın is ready to integrate him directly into the starting XI for the derby, provided that the medical staff give the final green light and the player himself feels fully ready.
From a tactical point of view, Emirhan’s presence offers Beşiktaş several advantages. He is comfortable building the game from the back, can break the first line of pressing with accurate forward passes and is strong in aerial duels, which will be crucial in a derby where set pieces and second balls often become decisive. His ability to read the game allows the team to hold a higher defensive line, compressing space and making it harder for the opponent to develop their attacks.
Sergen Yalçın’s decision to prioritize a young defender in a high-stakes match also sends a clear message about the club’s vision. Instead of opting for the safer, more conservative route of relying solely on experienced names, the coach is showing that merit and form outweigh hierarchy. Trusting Emirhan in such a key game underlines the importance of internal development and the integration of younger players into the core of the squad.
The psychological aspect is just as important as the tactical one. Coming back from an injury directly into a derby can be a serious mental test. For Emirhan, this is not only an opportunity to reclaim his starting spot, but also a chance to elevate his status within the team and in the eyes of the supporters. A composed and convincing performance in such a high-profile match could mark a turning point in his career trajectory.
Inside the dressing room, the return of a player like Emirhan also impacts the internal competition for places. Knowing that the coach is willing to reward hard work during rehabilitation and training adds extra motivation for the rest of the squad. Players like Uduokhai and Djalo remain important options, but they are fully aware that to get minutes, they must surpass a teammate who has set a strong standard whenever he has been on the pitch.
From a physical preparation standpoint, the staff are walking a fine line. Rushing a player back from injury for a big match is always a risk, but leaving out a key piece of the puzzle when he feels ready can also be costly. That is why every training session before the derby is being closely analyzed: sprint data, acceleration, deceleration, duels in small-sided games, and even body language are observed to assess whether Emirhan can handle a full 90 minutes at derby intensity.
The derby itself adds another layer of complexity. These games rarely follow the script of ordinary league fixtures. The tempo is higher, the duels are more aggressive and the margin for error, especially for defenders, is extremely small. Yalçın’s belief in Emirhan suggests he sees in him not only technical quality, but also emotional stability and the ability to stay focused despite the noise, pressure and hostile atmosphere of an away derby.
Emirhan’s story this season also reflects Beşiktaş’s broader struggle and ambition. A team seeking to stay in the title race or secure a strong league finish needs leaders in every line. While more experienced names may draw the headlines, modern football demands that young players step up quickly. By turning to Emirhan, Beşiktaş are effectively expanding their leadership group and diversifying responsibility across the squad.
In the wider context of squad building, such decisions can shape the club’s medium-term strategy. If Emirhan delivers in the derby and cements his place, Beşiktaş may feel less pressure to make costly defensive signings in upcoming transfer windows. Instead, resources could be directed to other positions, for example the ongoing search for winger reinforcements that remains a priority for the technical staff.
The unresolved issue of the wings is, in fact, linked to the defensive setup. If the backline, with Emirhan at its heart, provides enough stability, full-backs can be granted more freedom to support attacks, and wingers can focus on breaking the opponent’s defensive structure without constantly tracking back deep. A safe and confident central defender becomes the foundation upon which a more daring and aggressive offensive plan can be built.
For the fans, the possible return of Emirhan in such a high-voltage fixture is a source of both excitement and curiosity. Supporters value players who fight their way back from setbacks, and seeing a young, home-grown or internally developed player take on responsibility in a derby usually strengthens the bond between team and stands. If he steps onto the pitch and performs with courage and composure, it will be remembered long after the final whistle.
As the countdown to the derby continues, all signs point to a final decision being taken at the last training sessions. If there are no setbacks and the medical staff confirm his readiness, Sergen Yalçın is expected to stick to his initial preference: a starting eleven built on the renewed presence of Emirhan Topçu at the heart of the defence, carrying not only his own ambitions, but also the hopes of a team seeking a statement result in the Süper Lig.