Coach Ismail Kartal's Defensive Strategy Helps Fenerbahce to Victory Over Kasmipasa

Fenerbahce was a team that was on point as they defended, possessed and attacked as an entire team in their 4-2-3-1 setup. Dirk Kuyt hit a brace while Diego Ribas showed why he wears the No. 10 with his two assists in the team’s 3-0 victory at Kasimpasa. Caner Erkin added the third and final goal in the dying minutes.

The defense, midfield and attack all helped make one another’s jobs just a bit easier. No one was too selfish, as passing and moving was the key to this victory. Kuyt seemed to be in the right place at the right time as the versatile Dutchman just knew where to be for his teammates to set him up on both goals. At the age of 34, it is remarkable to see that he still has the hunger to play like a 20-year-old.

Ribas finally played like the attacking midfielder we all know him for. His vision, skill and ability to pick out teammates made him deserve his starting spot. His brilliance and true unselfish nature was shown in the play that brought about the final goal when he was inside the area in a one-vs-one opportunity. Instead of letting one rip from inside 12 yards, he squared to Erkin, who simply slotted home into an empty net. Ribas is finally clicking with his teammates.

Coach Ismail Kartal has switched back-and-forth between the 4-3-3 and the 4-2-3-1 throughout the season thus far. Finally, however, he is sticking with the 4-2-3-1 because it specializes in defending, possessing and especially on counter attacks. The team is skilled in every position, even without two key starters in midfielder Emre Belozoglu and striker/winger Moussa Sow. They have this belief in one another that gives the whole team a push to perform at the highest level.

Winning 3-0 at Kasimpasa is truly impressive because that team actually is considered one of the better mid-table sides that are capable of causing upsets. Fenerbahce deserved to win today and they certainly did so with brilliance.