Berkay Yılmaz is one of the most promising young left-backs in European football, currently flourishing on loan at **1. FC Nürnberg** from SC Freiburg. The **20-year-old** possesses an elite physical-technical profile, standing 1.83m with explosive recovery speed and refined crossing ability. In the **2025/26 2. Bundesliga season**, he has established himself as an undisputed starter, recorded **16 appearances (16 starts) and 1,439 minutes**. While primarily a left-back, his versatility allows him to operate as a wing-back or wide midfielder. With **2 assists** and a consistent match rating of **7.12**, Yılmaz is the prototype for the modern, offensive-minded fullback. He is a key pillar of Turkey's U21 setup and a prime candidate for senior team integration.
| Date | Opponent | Result | Mins | Rating | Stats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 14 | @ Fortuna Düsseldorf | D 1-1 | 90' | 7.4 | 1 Assist, 4 Tackles |
| Dec 07 | vs HSV | W 2-1 | 90' | 7.2 | Won 6/8 duels |
| Nov 30 | @ Hannover 96 | L 0-1 | 90' | 6.8 | 85% Pass Accuracy |
| Nov 23 | vs Paderborn | W 3-1 | 90' | 7.6 | 1 Assist, 2 Interceptions |
| Nov 09 | @ Schalke 04 | W 2-0 | 90' | 7.5 | Clean Sheet, 3 Crosses |
| Season | Club | Apps | G+A |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025/26 | 1. FC Nürnberg (L) | 16 | 0 + 2 |
| 2024/25 | 1. FC Nürnberg (L) | 12 | 0 + 0 |
| Summary: Rapidly maturing fullback. 1,439 mins experience this season. | |||
VERDICT: THE RISING BALKAN BATTALION (Top Tier LB
Prospect)
Berkay Yılmaz (76.2) is the complete package for a modern
fullback. His availability and consistency (16/16 starts) at age 20 in a physical league
like the 2. Bundesliga is remarkable. His work rate (9.0) and stamina (8.8) allow him to
provide constant width, while his crossing (8.2) is already at a top-tier level. While he
continues to refine his decision-making (7.6), his physical frame (1.83m) and tactical
adaptability (8.8) make him a high-value (9.2) asset with clear Bundesliga/Top-5 potential.
SC Freiburg have a gem on their hands; Yılmaz is the natural successor to Turkey's
specialized wide roles. Elite trajectory.