Liverpool and West Ham United fans should be familiar with the name Burak Yilmaz. The Turkey striker was linked with a move to both Premier League sides over the summer and it’s of no surprise. Especially with his impress hat-trick on Wednesday night.
The 27-year-old netted an impressive three goal haul against Romanian outfit CFR Cluj in Romania to hand Galatasaray their first Champions League win over the campaign. After failing to secure victory in the competition away from home in almost 10 years, his performance was all the more remarkable.
Burak has been at the forefront of Galatasaray’s impressive domestic and continental form, netting an imposing 10 goals in 13 games in all competitions. All four of their Champions League goals have in fact come through the striker, further highlighting his worth to the Turkish side.
The win, coupled with Manchester United’s over Braga, keeps Galatasaray’s qualifying hopes alive, with the Super Lig outfit now capable of securing a spot in the knockout stage of the competition following the result.
Unsurprisingly, it is Burak who is stealing the headlines following his performance. Finishing superbly for all three of his goals, coupled with his movement off the ball, has seen the front-man likened to Real Madrid ace Karim Benzema.
It is a massive compliment to the burly front-man, who would work wonders for the aforementioned duo should they move for him once the transfer window re-opens in January.