Merih Demiral is a prominent Turkish national football player, known for his defensive skills. Born on March 5, 1998, in Karamürsel, Kocaeli, Demiral has made a significant impact in both national and international football. He currently plays for Serie A team Atalanta on loan from Juventus.
How Did His Football Career Begin?
Merih Demiral started his football journey in his hometown with the team Karamürsel İdman Yurdu. His early talent caught the attention of Fenerbahçe, one of Turkey’s major football clubs, which led to his transfer. However, due to disagreements over contract terms, Demiral decided to leave Fenerbahçe.
What Were His Initial Steps in Professional Football?
In 2016, Demiral signed with Alcanenense, a Portuguese third league team, along with his friend Bahadır Çiloğlu. He made his debut on September 11, 2016, against SC Lusitânia. During his time at Alcanenense, he played 12 league games and two cup matches in the first half of the season, showcasing his potential.
How Did He Progress to Sporting Lisbon?
Demiral’s performance earned him a move to Sporting B, the reserve team of Sporting Lisbon, in early 2017. He debuted in the Segunda Liga against Famalicão on February 5, 2017. Although he faced some challenges, including being sent to the infrastructure team for experience, Demiral’s consistent play in the 2017-18 season helped him become a key player for Sporting B.
What Were His Achievements with Alanyaspor?
In August 2018, Demiral transferred to Turkish Super League team Alanyaspor on loan. Despite a slow start, he became a regular starter after coach Mesut Bakkal gave him a chance. His breakthrough came on September 17, 2018, when he scored his first career goal against Trabzonspor. His performance led to a permanent transfer to Alanyaspor for 3.5 million Euros in January 2019.
How Did His Career in Serie A Unfold?
Alanyaspor loaned Demiral to Serie A club Sassuolo on January 30, 2019, with a compulsory purchase option. Sassuolo signed him permanently on July 1, 2019, for 4.5 million Euros. His impressive performances at Sassuolo caught the attention of Juventus, who signed him on July 5, 2019, for 18 million Euros.
What Challenges Did He Face at Juventus?
Initially, Demiral struggled for playing time at Juventus. He made his league debut against Hellas Verona in the fourth week of the season. After a period without playing, he returned to action against Udinese, where he provided an assist. Unfortunately, during a match against Roma, he suffered a severe injury, tearing his cruciate ligaments, which ended his 2019-20 season prematurely.
What is His Role at Atalanta?
In August 2021, Demiral was loaned to Atalanta with an option to buy. At Atalanta, he has continued to showcase his defensive prowess, contributing significantly to the team’s performance in Serie A.
What is His National Team Experience?
Demiral has played for various Turkish youth teams, including under-17 and under-19 squads. He made his senior debut for the Turkish national team on November 20, 2018, in a friendly match against Ukraine. He was part of the squad for the 2020 European Football Championship qualifiers and played in the opening match against Italy, scoring an own goal, the first in the tournament’s history.
What Are His Defensive Skills and Style?
Demiral is known for his sliding tackles and aggressive, instinctive defending. His height and physical strength make him effective in aerial duels, and he excels at clearing balls in the penalty area. Despite his tall stature, Demiral is also fast, which allows him to track back quickly and make crucial interventions. He has often been compared to Nemanja Vidić and Giorgio Chiellini, whom he considers his role models.
Who is His Wife, Heidi Lushtaku?
Merih Demiral is married to Swiss photomodel Heidi Lushtaku. The couple tied the knot quietly about a year ago and recently welcomed their first child, a son. Despite preferring to keep their private life out of the spotlight, Demiral shared a photo of Lushtaku and their son on social media, giving fans a glimpse into his family life.
How Does His Family Support Him?
Demiral’s family, especially his wife Heidi, plays a crucial role in his life. Her support has been instrumental in helping him manage the pressures of professional football. Despite the challenges and sacrifices, their strong bond and mutual support have been key to Demiral’s success on and off the field.
What is His Background and Personal Life?
Merih Demiral was born to a family that migrated from the Arhavi district of Artvin to Karamürsel. Tragically, he lost his mother in a car accident in 2012 while he was part of the Fenerbahçe U-15 team. This personal loss has profoundly affected him, shaping his resilience and determination to succeed in his football career.
Conclusion
Merih Demiral’s journey from a young talent in Karamürsel to a star defender in Serie A is a story of perseverance, talent, and unwavering support from his family. His wife, Heidi Lushtaku, and their son are integral parts of his life, providing the emotional strength he needs to excel in his career. As he continues to make strides in football, Demiral’s dedication and skill remain evident, making him a key player to watch in the coming years.