Form snapshot – the last five games
Nazli has been relentless in midfield this spring. In his last five league appearances (vs. Alanyaspor, Göztepe, Antalyaspor, Kasımpaşa and İstanbulspor) he has logged 452 minutes, supplied three assists, completed 27 key passes and recovered the ball 18 times. He also contributed a goal against Antalyaspor, a 2‑1 away win that helped his side climb back into the top‑four race.
Season stats in context
Across the 2023‑24 Süper Lig season Nazli has registered 7 goals, 9 assists and 62 successful dribbles in 29 starts. His 1.9 chances created per 90 minutes rank third among the league’s midfielders, trailing only the seasoned play‑makers Hakan Çalhanoğlu (2.3) and Yusuf Yazıcı (2.1). Defensively, his 2.4 tackles and 1.7 interceptions per 90 sit comfortably above the midfield average of 1.8 and 1.2 respectively, highlighting his dual‑phase influence.
Playing style – the tactical engine
Nazli operates as a classic box‑to‑box midfielder but with a modern twist. He combines a high work‑rate with an acute sense of spatial awareness, allowing him to arrive late in the opponent’s box for second‑ball opportunities – a habit reflected in his 12 shots on target from outside the penalty area, the most by any central midfielder in the league. His passing range is equally versatile: a 78% overall pass accuracy is bolstered by a 42% success rate on long balls (≥30 yards), making him a reliable conduit for quick transitions from defence to attack.
Big moments – impact performances
1. Antalyaspor (12 Mar) – Nazli’s 78th‑minute equaliser, a curled effort from the edge of the box, secured a vital point and sparked a run of four unbeaten games.
2. Kasımpaşa (27 Mar) – He delivered a pre‑assists pass that unlocked the defence, leading to a 3‑0 rout; his work‑rate saw him win 6 duels, the highest in the match.
3. İstanbulspor (5 Apr) – A masterclass in ball retention; Nazli completed 94% of his passes (including 5 successful through‑balls) and helped his side dominate possession 61‑39, culminating in a 2‑1 victory.
What’s next – upcoming fixtures and contract outlook
The next three fixtures pit Nazli’s side against title‑challenger Galatasaray, mid‑table side Trabzonspor and relegation‑battle Beykozspor. Analysts predict that his ability to disrupt high‑pressing opponents will be pivotal against Galatasaray’s aggressive midfield trio. Off the pitch, Nazli’s contract runs until June 2026 with a €12 million release clause. Rumours of interest from Belgian giants Anderlecht and a Turkish powerhouse have surfaced, but his current club has publicly stated they intend to keep the 24‑year‑old as a central figure in their push for a European spot.
In a league where midfield dominance often decides the title, Onur Nazli’s blend of physicality, vision and goal‑threat makes him a player to monitor closely. Whether he steers his team to a Europa League berth or attracts a move abroad, his trajectory this season signals the arrival of a new benchmark for the modern box‑to‑box midfielder.
