The black-and-white football team, which finished fourth in the league last season, 27 points behind champions Galatasaray, entered the new season with a different strategy.
At Beşiktaş, where Önder Özen was appointed as football director, the team was entrusted to Italian head coach Vincenzo Italiano. The black-and-white side strengthened their squad with stars such as Alexander Nübel, Salih Özcan, Leandro Trossard, and Dusan Vlahovic, making a strong start to the season.
Beşiktaş, who started in the UEFA Europa League qualifiers, secured five wins out of six matches to advance to the league phase. In the Süper Lig, they won three of their first four matches.
The black-and-white team, who delighted their fans with their strong start, hosted Fenerbahçe in the season’s first derby. Beşiktaş won the match 2-1, pleasing their supporters not only with the result but also with the quality of football they displayed.
Vlahovic started well
Beşiktaş’s Serbian striker Dusan Vlahovic did not miss the Fenerbahçe derby either.
The 26-year-old center-forward, who scored three goals against Çorum FK in the Süper Lig last week, also netted the winning goal in the derby.
Vlahovic has scored four goals in three Süper Lig matches this season in the black-and-white jersey, but he failed to find the net in the two UEFA Europa League qualifier matches he played.
Captain Orkun continues his good performance
Beşiktaş captain Orkun Kökçü also stood out with his performance in the derby.
The 25-year-old midfielder provided the assist for Vlahovic’s winning goal in the derby played at Chobani Stadium, setting up the decisive moment.
The Turkish international has scored three goals in the nine matches he has played this season.
Contributions from the full-backs
Beşiktaş is receiving contributions from their full-backs under head coach Vincenzo Italiano.
The black-and-white side’s full-backs, who frequently join the attack in the Italian coach’s game plan, have scored three goals this season.
Right-back Amir Murillo has scored once in the Süper Lig and once in the UEFA Europa League qualifiers, while left-back Rıdvan Yılmaz scored his first goal of the season in yesterday’s derby.
Midfield stability brought success
Midfield stability under head coach Vincenzo Italiano has directly contributed to Beşiktaş’s victories.
The trio of Salih Özcan, Junior Olaitan, and Orkun Kökçü, entrusted with the midfield role by the Italian coach, have drawn attention with their performances.
The black-and-white side has played a total of 10 matches this season—six UEFA Europa League qualifiers and four Süper Lig games—winning eight and losing two.
This trio played together in all eight wins, while there were changes in the midfield for the losses against Kauno Zalgiris and Alanyaspor.
Kept clean sheets in six of ten matches
Beşiktaş kept a clean sheet in six of the ten matches they have played this season.
The black-and-white team, who adopted an aggressive style of play in both phases of the game under head coach Vincenzo Italiano, did not concede any goals in five European matches and one league match.
Beşiktaş has scored 17 goals this season, while conceding only five.
