Opinion: Cengiz Under's potential an obvious cause for excitement

The new sporting director has unearthed a real gem in Ünder, providing him the perfect platform to launch his career at a big club. His rise mirrors that of former club Istanbul Başakşehir: quiet yet compelling, prompting a surprise at their success that a closer look reveals isn’t necessarily warranted.

Born in the town of Sindirgi in 1997, it was at Izmir-based Bucaspor where he spent honing his skills between 2007 and 2013, then switching to Altınordu, a second-tier club that have become known for their youth programme and that mainly play with young Turkish players. It was there where his former youth academy coordinator, Seyit Mehmet Özkan, took over as president. The club launched Ünder’s professional career, giving him his debut in September 2014 against Menemen, at the age of 17.

Cengiz quickly rose up the ranks, scoring 11 goals and adding nine assists from 51 appearances, performances that prompted scouts to take note of him. There was a scramble for his services, but he chose Başakşehir – craving opportunity to play over all else - and it proved to be a wise decision.

Under the guidance of the tactically astute Abdullah Avci, the Istanbul-based outfit finished second last season, ahead of far bigger teams in resources and talent. Ünder played 2511 minutes in the league last summer and in excess of 3000 in all competitions, which is a lot of trust to place in a then 19-year old.

Avci placed emphasis on tactics, employing a fluid 4-2-3-1 throughout the season with Cengiz invariably on the left wing. This was only in theory however, as the three attacking midfielders were given the freedom to switch positions. His technical quality on the ball is a stand-out quality and something that would have caught Monchi’s eye. It is this quality combined with his own self-confidence that could propel him to success.

With a strong left foot, he is also confident to take long shots with his weaker right foot. It is why he is capable of playing on both wings. Along with his self-belief, his desire to be in the penalty box leads him to score many goals for a wide left-winger, while this ability to score and create with a cultured left boot has led to the inevitable early comparisons with Juventus’s Paulo Dybala.

As with all young talents, Ünder has adapted his game despite his unfinished physical development; the challenge will be to do the same in Serie A, a league different in style to the Super Lig.

While the upside to him is huge, there are some shortcomings too that need to be ironed out: his decision-making in particular, but working under Eusebio di Francesco will help him to iron out his flaws. Di Francesco has done well with youngsters at Sassuolo and should provide Cengiz the freedom to create chances.

His goal against Tottenham in the International Champions Cup immediately put Cengiz on the radar of fans who’ve never heard of him before. Cue the puns - but he truly is an under-rated gem.

Roma may have sold Mohamed Salah this summer but, with Cengiz coming in, it might not be long before the right flank is every bit as threatening as it was before – if not more so.