Derrick Arthur Kohn, a German-born defender of Ghanaian descent, made an impressive debut for Turkish football giants Galatasaray on Sunday, helping his new club earn a 3-0 victory over Ankaragucu.
The 25-year-old left back, who recently joined Galatasaray on loan from German club Hannover 96, played 90 minutes in Sunday’s triumph. He completed 67% of his passes, won 5 of 12 ground duels, and made 5 recoveries and 6 passes into the final third. Kohn did pick up a yellow card during the match.
Kerem Demirbay opened the scoring for Galatasaray in the 13th minute, before Davinson Sanchez doubled the lead just a minute later. Mauro Icardi then added a third goal in the 39th minute from the penalty spot to round out the scoring.
After the match, Kohn expressed his delight at his first appearance for Galatasaray.
“The fans welcomed me very well,” he said.
“The training sessions are happy, there is a very good environment. I am very happy to wear the Galatasaray jersey.”
Kohn joined Galatasaray last week on a loan deal that runs through the end of the season, with the Turkish giants having the option to make the move permanent next summer.
Sunday’s win was an important one for Galatasaray as they try to defend their lead atop the Turkish Super Lig table. They currently sit in first place after 26 matches with 59 points, having won 22 matches, drawn 3, and lost just once this season.
With Kohn now settled in Istanbul, manager Okan Buruk will be hoping the Ghanaian’s arrival can help spur Galatasaray on during the second half of the campaign.
Based on his impressive debut, the young defender looks poised to make a significant impact for his new club and will likely play a key role as the Turkish giants push to qualify for European competition next season.
