After starring in the UEFA Youth League last season, the exceptionally talented Orkun Kokcu is looking to make an impact in Feyenoord’s first-team.  

  • By Michael Bell
  • Follow Michael on Twitter

Kokcu started his career with amateur side Stormvogels before being drafted into the Groningen academy at the age of 10. After three seasons at Groningen, he decided to switch to Feyenoord, where his brother, Ozan, also moved.

The midfielder quickly established himself as a top talent in the Rotterdam academy and signed his first professional contract with the club aged 16. Last season, Kokcu grew his reputation with some dazzling performances for Feyenoord’s U19’s, especially in the UEFA Youth League. The flagship tournament for U19 sides saw Feyenoord reach the knockout stages with Kokcu scoring five goals in seven matches including a double in a thrilling 3-2 win over Napoli.

Kokcu would become a regular for Feyenoord’s U23 side before the end of the campaign and was named on the bench for Feyenoord’s 5-1 win at Willem II in April.

This summer, Kokcu was a part of the first-team for pre-season but has been linked heavily with a move away from Rotterdam. His brother Ozan is now at Bursaspor, while Besiktas and Fenerbahce reportedly have their eye on Orkun. At the moment, the 17-year-old remains in Rotterdam and is aiming for a first-team debut as soon as possible.

Kokcu, who can also represent Turkey, has been with Netherlands youth sides since U17 level and is said to prefer a future in Oranje.

Style of Play

A creative midfielder, Kokcu is at his best when deployed in a number 10 position where he can use his excellent vision, dribbling and passing ability to create chances. However, Feyenoord also see his future as a box-to-box midfielder and he has even been used as a DM. His versatility gives Giovanni van Bronkhorst plenty of options.

Top scorer for Feyenoord’s U19’s last season, Kokcu has an eye for goal and is an expert set-piece taker.

What to expect from Kokcu this season

Kokcu seems set to remain at Feyenoord and his goal will be to quickly make his debut in the first team. The lack of outgoing transfers has made his path difficult but with his future up in the air, surely van Bronckhorst can’t hold the youngster back.

He may only be 17, but Kokcu looks ready to have an impact in the Eredivisie and is one of the brightest talents in Dutch football. With the Netherlands national team struggling for creative players, Kokcu is one to keep an eye on in the next few years.




Michael Bell (59 Posts)