Hasan Kuruçay

Reliable center-back at Schalke

Kurucay ended the season as one of Schalke's most trusted defensive options, anchoring the center of the back line throughout the club's promotion-winning campaign with his physicality and aerial dominance.

Analysis: Kurucay brought experience and consistency to a Schalke defense that conceded sparingly throughout the season, contributing to four goals, 152 duels won, 52 tackles and 29 interceptions, forming a reliable partnership at the heart of the back line. Kurucay heads into the Bundesliga as an important defensive piece for Schalke, with his composure and reading of the game giving the club a trustworthy option as they prepare for the step up in quality.