Kökcü named Eredivisie Player of the Year

It was a memorable weekend for Orkun Kökcü! On Saturday night at the Estádio da Luz, in front of more than 60,000 fans, he scored his first goal with an eagle on his chest and helped Benfica to another league win. On Sunday, September 3, the former Feyenoord midfielder received the award (Golden Boot) for Eredivisie Player of the Year for the 2022/23 season. 

"It means a lot to me. Look at the names here...", reacted the Turkish international, who, after having his name associated with important pages in Feyenoord's history, is beginning to write his own story with the sacred mantle. The stunner which he scored against Vitória SC with a powerful shot from the edge of the penalty box is part of the narrative he brings to life at Benfica.

"I know I can do it, I did it often at Feyenoord. I hit the ball wonderfully and immediately knew it was going into the top corner. I felt the goal was a liberation because I hadn't scored yet, and I really wanted to score in front of my fans. It was a very strong feeling. Now I'm free", revealed Kökcü in the Netherlands.

The adaptation to Portugal, Benfica and the team is going smoothly.

"At Feyenoord I was used to always having the ball and being dominant in games. Now I'm in a team where there are more great players, experienced and strong on the ball. There are two world champions in my team. But it's getting better every game, and the best is yet to come", highlighted the midfielder, who said he was impressed by the  Glorioso.

"Benfica is an incredibly big club. I don't think people in the Netherlands or even Turkey know how big and gigantic everything is. The fans are huge, the club is the biggest in Portugal and the atmosphere in the stadium is crazy every week", claimed Kökcü.