Player Profiles #3: Nihat Kahveci

Nihat Kahveci (Coffeemaker) was born in Istanbul in 1979 and at the age of 14 was enrolled into the Besiktas youth academy. Even at a young age Nihat showed a great prowess for goal, despite his short height. As a result, Nihat started off on the right wing and first broke into the Besiktas first team at the age of 19. Even then it was obvious that Nihat was a very talented player. He soon became the love of the Inonu, despite not winning any silverware during his stay.

In 2002, John Toshack, and ex-Besiktas coach brought Nihat to Real Sociedad where he began playing as a forward instead of on the right wing. As a result of this change, Nihat quickly flourished. In addition, in the 02/03 La Liga season, Nihat formed a deadly partnership with Serbian forward Darko Kovacevic. Nihat managed to score 23 goals in 35 matches and was the third higest scoring player in the La Liga that season, behined Roy Makaay’s 29 and was tied with Ronaldo. Nihat continued to score in the following three seasons but in 2006 Nihat moved to Villarreal.

In 2006, Nihat suffered a crippling injury that forced him to sit out for a good portion of the 06/07 season. However nihat once again managed to shine in the 2007/2008 La Liga season managing to find the net 23 times in 34 matches which was instrumental in leading Villarreal to a second place finish.

Nihat is a naural goal scorer and is able to pull goals out of the hat right when its necessary. His calm composure and eye for goal makes him deadly on one-on-one situations and in the penalty box. If Turkey is going to do anything this summer, Nihat must be on top form, especially since he will most likely be playing alone up front.