Altay Bayindir looks set to continue his bench-warming role with Turkey at Euro 2024 following a disappointing season for Manchester United.
Despite winning the FA Cup in his opening year at Old Trafford, the 26-year-old was a peripheral figure under Erik ten Hag following his £4.3million switch from Fenerbahce.
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Bayindir featured just once in all competitions – the 4-2 FA Cup fourth round win away at Newport – with Andre Onana the club’s undisputed No.1.
Ten Hag’s preference for Onana was so strong, that Cameroon allowed him to arrive to the Africa Cup of Nations late so he could play two more games for the Red Devils.
But Bayindir has arrived in Germany with a reminder of his qualities as he shared a video of him in action on his Instagram story.
He uploaded a short clip of Turkey’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Wales from November, where he expertly tipped Tottenham forward Brennan Johnson’s low drive around ....
And even though Bayindir is desperate to show his importance, he appears resigned to playing second fiddle once again.
That is due to the fact that Trabzonspor skipper Ugurcan Cakir is Vincenzo Montella’s first choice shot-stopper.
One player who does look set to shine for Turkey in Germany, though, is Real Madrid starlet Arda Guler.
The 19-year-old ended his first season in Spain by winning LaLiga and the Champions League.
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Injuries saw him make his long-awaited debut in January 2024, with the playmaker proceeding to chip in with six goals in 12 games in all competitions.
Turkey go into their Euro 2024 campaign looking to make it out of the group stages for the first time since Euro 2008.
They face George in their opening match next week, before pitting their wits against Portugal and Czech Republic.
Commenting on Turkey’s aspirations for the tournament, boss Montella said: “For the first time we finished the qualifiers at the top of our group and advanced to the tournament three times in a row.
“But we failed to advance past the group stage in the last two tournaments.
“Our first target is surely to achieve what we couldn’t achieve those times, through hard work, unity and faith.
“We have to take it step by step. Once we advance from the group stage, our dreams and aims may change. Relying on my experience, everything is possible.”