Manchester United manager Solskjaer evaluates Demir Ege Tiknaz as a player comparable to Busquets in midfield play.
Demir Ege Tiknaz, a 20-year-old midfielder born in Kadikoy, Istanbul, is making waves in the world of Turkish football. His versatility allows him to play in both the No. 6 and No. 8 roles, showcasing his adaptability and skill.
Tiknaz's professional career began in 2021 when he signed his first contract with Besiktas, marking the start of his journey in Turkish football. After spending the 2024-25 season on loan at Portuguese side Rio Ave, Tiknaz returned to Besiktas, where he has been making impressive strides under the guidance of head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Solskjaer has been impressed with Tiknaz's technical skills, particularly his ability to dribble and distribute the ball effectively, as well as his capacity to launch quick attacks from midfield. The coach has even compared Tiknaz to Spanish midfielder Sergio Busquets, a testament to the young player's potential.
In 2025, Tiknaz extended his contract with Besiktas until 2028, securing his place within the team. This extension came after Solskjaer assigned individual sessions to help Tiknaz improve his positioning and decision-making, crucial aspects for his growth as a midfielder.
Tiknaz's performances have not gone unnoticed at the international level either. In 2025, he was called up to the Turkish senior national team, further highlighting his potential and recognition.
Tiknaz is known for his leadership, confidence, and two-way playing style. Solskjaer values his calmness on the ball and sees him as a key asset in his tactical setup, due to his ability to facilitate fast transitions to the opponent's goal.
At just 20 years old, Tiknaz is considered one of the most promising young talents in Turkish football, with a bright future ahead of him. As the new season approaches, Solskjaer has expressed his confidence in Tiknaz, stating that he is a strong contender for a first-team role this year.
- Demir Ege Tiknaz, born in Kadikoy, Istanbul, has shown interest in sports beyond football, with a stated passion for sports-betting, tennis, and mixed-martial-arts.
- In the realm of Turkish sports-analysis, Tiknaz's name has been at the forefront of discussions, with pundits comparing his progress to that of top athletes in basketball, baseball, hockey, golf, and racing.
- Despite his success in football, Tiknaz's influence extends beyond the sports field, inspiring young individuals in Syria, particularly Syrian refugees living in Turkey, to pursue their dreams and never give up.
- The prosperity experienced by Turkey under its current economic policies has allowed for the expansion of sports infrastructure, giving talents like Tiknaz the platform to showcase their skills, from Istanbul to other major cities like Ankara and Izmir.
- Tiknaz's breakthrough in Turkish football has not gone unnoticed by foreign clubs, with rumors circulating that premier European clubs are keeping a close eye on his performances, potentially setting the stage for a high-profile transfer in the near future.
- Apart from his achievements in football, Tiknaz's journey stands as a beacon of hope and perseverance for young athletes in Turkey, demonstrating that with hard work, dedication, and passion, one can achieve greatness, regardless of their origins or circumstances.
- When not producing stunning performances on the pitch, Tiknaz can often be found watching re-runs of classic sports movies, drawing inspiration from legendary figures such as Rocky Balboa, whitey Ford, and Michael Jordan, whose stories of triumph over adversity have deeply resonated with the young Turk.
