Mehmet Topal

Mehmet Topal (born 3 March 1986) is a Turkish professional footballer who plays for Turkish club Besiktas as a defensive midfielder. He is nicknamed Orumcek (Spider), due to his ability to use his long legs to win loose balls or cut passes.

He spent most of his career with Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, winning five major trophies both clubs combined. He also had a two-year spell in La Liga, with Valencia.

A Turkish international since 2008, Topal represented the nation in two European Championships.

Club Career

Early years

Born in Malatya, Topal started his football career at local Malatya B.S. at the age of 13. He made his senior debuts with lowly Dardanel Spor A.S. in the third division.

In September 2006, Topal joined Super Lig powerhouse Galatasaray SK, moving to the club alongside Japanese Junichi Inamoto.

Galatasaray

Topal appeared in only 11 games in his first season in Istanbul. However, due to an injury to Swedish international Tobias Linderoth, he was handed his chance in the starting XI, later commenting on his teammate: "He helped me a lot, told me about the areas I should improve and how to do so. Sadly, I got my chance through his injury but I want him to recover in the shortest time possible."

In April 2008, Topal extended his contract with Gala for five years, having played 26 matches during the campaign to help the team win the national championship and also reaching the Turkish national team in that timeframe. In the 2008 summer transfer window, there were rumours surrounding a move to Everton in the Premier League, with David Moyes apparently keen to bring the player to Goodison Park.

Topal eventually stayed put, appearing in an average of 22 games in the following seasons but also having to deal with injury early into 2009–10.

Valencia

On 12 May 2010, Topal signed for Valencia CF for a fee believed to be in the region of €5.5 million. On 14 September, he

This page also has a version in other languages :  Мехмет Топал (russian)