The stage is set for an exciting UEFA Europa League Round 2 showdown as two of Comparisonator’s valued clients—Shakhtar Donetsk and Beşiktaş—go head-to-head in the 2025–26 season!
As the new season unfolds, we’ve taken a closer look at how both teams have reinforced their squads with key signings and rising talents.
On the Beşiktaş side, the spotlight is on Kartal Kayra Yılmaz, a homegrown talent who returned after a strong season with Kayserispor. Midfield creativity gets a boost from Orkun Kökçü, recently transferred from Liga Portugal, while young prospect Ege Tıknaz is starting to make waves in the senior team.
Meanwhile, Shakhtar Donetsk have added power to their defense with the signing of Marlon, the Brazilian center-back from Los Angeles FC (MLS), bringing experience and composure to the backline.
Both clubs are stepping into a new era with high-profile managerial appointments: Arda Turan takes charge at Shakhtar, bringing his fiery passion and leadership, while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer leads Beşiktaş into a new tactical direction.
At Comparisonator, we are proud to support both teams with advanced performance analysis, scouting insights, and AI-powered data tools that help make smarter decisions on and off the pitch.
We wish both clubs the best of luck in this thrilling Europa League journey—and we’ll be watching closely as their new signings look to make their mark!
New Transfers’ Analysis – Shakhtar Donetsk & Beşiktaş
Kartal Kayra Yılmaz (’00) (DMF) – From Kayserispor to Beşiktaş
Kartal Kayra Yılmaz‘s CompaGPT Parameters League Offensive report:
Kartal Kayra Yılmaz ranks first among 40 players in his position with 0.24 expected assists per 90 minutes, outperforming the next best player in this position, Fredy, with 0.21. This indicates a strong ability to create quality chances for teammates, making him a valuable asset in build-up play and final third operations. His proficiency in this area suggests he can be tactically deployed in scenarios requiring creative playmaking from deeper positions. Ranking second with 1.55 shot assists per 90 minutes, Kartal demonstrates consistent capability in facilitating shooting opportunities. With Jakub Kaluzinski slightly ahead at 1.59, this strength highlights Kartal’s vision and passing precision. Tactically, he can be utilized to enhance offensive play by acting as a conduit for attacks, especially against defensive setups where breaking through is challenging.
Kartal Kayra Yılmaz’s best-ranking parameters are his expected assists, shot assists, and assists, which place him among the top performers in these categories. His tactical significance lies in his ability to create and facilitate scoring opportunities, making him a key component in offensive strategies. While his strengths in assisting and participating in scoring attacks are notable, improving his dribbling skills could further enhance his contribution to the team’s attacking phases.
Kartal Kayra Yılmaz (’00) (DMF) – From Kayserispor to Beşiktaş
Demir Ege Tıknaz (’04) (DMF) – From Rio Ave to Beşiktaş
Demir Ege Tıknaz‘s CompaGPT Parameters League Defensive report:
Ege Tıknaz excels in successful defensive actions, ranking 1st among 32 defensive midfielders with 30.93 successful defensive actions per 90 minutes. This surpasses the second-best performer, João Moutinho, who achieves 29.63. This indicates Tıknaz’s exceptional ability to effectively disrupt opposition play and regain possession. Tactically, his proficiency in successful defensive actions can be crucial in maintaining team structure and initiating counter-attacks. Ege Tıknaz ranks 3rd in dribbles against won, with 1.61 per 90 minutes. This is slightly behind Gorby and Florentino, who lead with 1.81 and 1.79 respectively. This highlights Tıknaz’s capability to effectively counter dribbles from the opposition, adding a layer of resistance to the defensive line. Tactically, this skill can be instrumental in breaking down attacking plays and transitioning to offensive maneuvers.
Ege Tıknaz demonstrates remarkable proficiency in successful defensive actions, leading the rankings and showcasing his defensive prowess. His active involvement in defensive actions further emphasizes his reliability in maintaining defensive pressure. While his dribbles against won highlight his ability to challenge opponents effectively, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ball recoveries in advanced positions and minimizing ball losses in his own half. Addressing these weaknesses could enhance his overall contribution to the team’s defensive strategy.
Demir Ege Tıknaz (’04) (DMF) – From Rio Ave to Beşiktaş
Orkun Kökçü – (00) (DMF) – From Benfica to Beşiktaş
Orkun Kökçü‘s CompaGPT Parameters League Passing report:
Orkun Kökçü leads the category with 0.8 key passes per 90 minutes, ranking 1st among 32 players in his position. This indicates his exceptional ability to create goal-scoring opportunities, showcasing vision and precision in his passing. His performance surpasses Luís Esteves, who achieved 0.46 key passes per 90 minutes. Tactically, Kökçü’s proficiency in delivering key passes can be instrumental in breaking down defensive setups and enhancing attacking transitions. Similarly, Kökçü tops the smart passes category with 0.57 per 90 minutes, again ranking 1st. Compared to David Simão, who recorded 0.48 smart passes, Kökçü demonstrates advanced tactical awareness and decision-making, often selecting passes that effectively advance play or exploit defensive gaps. This ability can be strategically utilized to maintain possession and fluidity in midfield play.
Orkun Kökçü’s standout attributes lie in his ability to deliver key and smart passes, alongside his proficiency in crossing, both in volume and accuracy. These strengths highlight his tactical significance in advancing play and creating opportunities from midfield. While his overall pass accuracy presents a notable area for improvement, enhancing precision in final third passes and crossing can further solidify his impact as a dynamic and influential midfielder.
Orkun Kökçü – (00) (DMF) – From Benfica to Beşiktaş
Marlon (’95) (CB) – From Los Angeles FC to Shakhtar Donetsk
Marlon‘s CompaGPT Parameters League Passing report:
Marlon ranks 1st in Successful through passes with a rate of 100%, alongside Jalen Neal. This indicates Marlon’s exceptional ability to deliver incisive passes that penetrate defensive lines, making him a valuable asset in transitioning play and creating scoring opportunities. Tactically, Marlon can be employed to initiate quick counter-attacks or maintain possession in tight spaces. Marlon is 2nd in Successful passes with 94.74%, just shy of Aaron Long’s 95.24%. This high accuracy highlights his consistency and reliability in distributing the ball, crucial for retaining control during matches. Tactically, Marlon can be a key figure in maintaining team structure and tempo.
Marlon’s strengths lie in his exceptional ability to execute successful through passes, passes into the opponent’s box, and back passes with perfect accuracy, indicating a high level of technical proficiency and strategic impact. Areas such as long passing accuracy and progressive play suggest potential for development, offering opportunities to expand his tactical versatility. Addressing weaknesses in key passes and direct attacking contributions can enhance Marlon’s overall effectiveness and influence on the game.
Marlon (’95) (CB) – From Los Angeles FC to Shakhtar Donetsk
