With the Turkish Super Lig season starting this weekend, we’re looking back at how Aziz Behich’s Bursaspor is shaping up ahead of what promises to be another huge season for the Caltex Socceroos left-back.
Bursaspor is coming off a disappointing 2017/18 campaign, with the club finishing in 13th spot in the league, just six points above the relegation zone.
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But Behich was a shining light during that campaign and again looms as a key player for the side if they are to move up the ladder in 2018/19.
The 27-year-old is probably in the best form of his career and is a certain starter for this weekend’s season-opener against one of the title favourites in Fenerbache.
BURSASPOR’S PRE-SEASON RESULTS
Balikesirspor 1-0 Bursaspor
Bursaspor 1-0 Altay
Afjet Afyonspor 0-1 Bursaspor
Bursaspor 2-1 Umranivespor
Bursaspor 4-0 Sagadam
Bursaspor 0-2 Ankaragucu
BEHICH’S PRE-SEASON
Behich played all three matches for the Caltex Socceroos at the FIFA World Cup™ in Russia and was given an extended holiday before joining the squad for pre-season training in mid-July.
He’s managed to play the last four pre-season friendlies, making an immediate impact on his return to the first team.
In his first appearance of the pre-season, Behich scored the only goal of the match in a 1-0 win against fellow Turkish outfit Afjet Afyonspor.
It came nine minutes before the break when he received the ball in space about 35 yards from goal, driving at the heart of the defence before fooling the keeper with a superb shot with his weaker right foot.
He also provided an assist in their next clash – a 2-1 win over Umranivespor – with a delicious cross from the left wing.
“From the day I first came to Bursaspor, I can say it’s a family club. Nothing has changed this year, and when friendships are good we reflect this onto the field,” Behich said in an interview recently.
“I hope it will be a good year. My game is based more on attack. I am trying to improve on what I do every year and it will be the same this season.”
Behich also started the club’s final pre-season hitout over the weekend, a hard-fought loss against Ankaragucu as all focus now switches to the start of the Super Lig this weekend.
