Yildiz has turned early promise into tangible returns in his third season as a first-team regular in Turin. The 20-year-old has already netted two goals and four assists this season, building on his impressive 2024–25 campaign in which he netted seven Serie A goals and a memorable Champions League strike that made him Juventus’ youngest-ever scorer in the first round. Montella, who brought Yildiz into the senior Turkey set-up while the forward was still finding consistency at Juventus, spotted that potential early and has watched the youngster grow into a creative threat.
Calanhoglu remains Turkey’s experienced engine, meanwhile, with the 31-year-old has been a mainstay for Inter over recent seasons, and he played a key role in Inter’s run to European finals and deep Champions League runs. This season he’s again been central to Inter’s build-up play and set-piece threat, underlining why Montella calls him “fundamental.”
Montella’s assessment underlines why both players are so central to his plans. In an interview with Rai Radio 1 he praised Yildiz and Calanhoglu.
“Yildiz is very young and has huge ambitions. He’s a complete player who started playing for the national team with me when he lacked consistency at Juventus,” he said. “It’s not easy to play with the number 10 shirt at 19 years old. This year I see him as more consistent and aware.”
Asked about Calanhoglu, the Turkey coach said: “He’s an extraordinary player , there are few at his level in his position. Last year he suffered from a few too many injuries, he didn’t have the best preparation but I see him clearly improving. He’s a talented and experienced player, he’s fundamental for us but I think he will be for Inter or any team for a few more years.”
The Turkish winger’s rise attracted concrete suitors this summer. Reportedly, Premier League clubs, most notably Chelsea, made offers in the region of €65 million (£56m/$76m). Juventus, however, stood firm and rejected the offers, signalling that they see Yildiz as a long-term aspect. Calanhoglu, too, was the subject of summer talk linking him to Turkey with Galatasaray and Fenerbahce having reportedly shown interest, but Inter maintained their position and declined to lower their price-tag as the the transfer collapsed.
In their latest outing, Turkey won against Georgia but faced a heavy 6-0 defeat against 2024 Nations League finalist Spain. Turkey will next travel to Bulgaria on October 11 and then host Georgia on October 14 in World Cup qualifying stages. In these two fixtures Montella will lean on Yildiz’s creativity and Calanhoglu’s experience to try to get back on track because the fixtures could decide whether Turkey qualifies directly or is forced into playoffs.
