Super League: Fenerbahce Crowned 19-Time Champions

Fenerbahce won its 19th Turkish Super League title in their history after clinching earlier today with a 1-1 home draw against Rizespor. Ersun Yanal told his troops to attack and score, but the resilience of the opponents defied all odds and forced them to settle without scoring or allowing any goals. Now, they are even with Galatasaray — their arch-rival — on the number of titles earned.

Today, a man who is known as Fenerbahce’s workhorse finally won his first title after two full seasons aboard — Dirk Kuyt. This man may very well be on his way to playing in his very last World Cup for his beloved nation, Holland. After yet another disciplined, calm and hard-working season, Kuyt has every right to start for Louis van Gaal in Brazil. He may already be 33, but he still has an engine of energy to offer.

As for coach Ersun Yanal, the brilliance that he has brought to this club tactically, patiently and daringly has left him and entered the minds, bodies and hearts of the players. It was his first season in charge of the Istanbul club and he put together a tough-minded team to dominate the league from start to finish, besides some losses and draws every now and then. He will definitely be keeping his job next season, but what should worry him is the pending departure of some of his better players.

Caner Erkin — starting left-back — is being looked at by Premier League clubs as he has blistering speed, strength, scoring and assisting ability and all of these qualities are caped by endless energy. Liverpool is  looking long and hard at this 25-year-old, as he is the answer to their defensive issues on the left side. Another club from this region is none other than Tottenham Hotspur who need a player like Kyle Walker down the left, and Erkin definitely fits that bill.

Moussa Sow has played quite well this season for the Turkish side, so his name is on the lips of Premier League managers who could use a respectable and talented striker/winger. He did state that it was his dream to play in that league one day some time ago, so after winning a title in Turkey and knowing that there will still be no Champions League soccer due to a European ban, he should consider leaving for more money in a tougher league.

Now that they are even with Galatasaray on total league titles earned, it will be interesting to see if one of these sides can win next year, to be the very first one to etch their fourth star on the chest of their jerseys, marking the ever so wonderful 20th title.