Besiktas' New Wall: Alexander Nubel

Besiktas appear to have finally found the stability they've long sought between the posts with German goalkeeper Alexander Nubel, signed this summer. The 29-year-old shot-stopper, brought in from Bayern Munich, has completed all three of his official matches in the UEFA Europa League qualifying rounds without conceding a goal. After making five saves across two matches against Midtjylland, Nubel was one of the architects of the win away to Hradec Kralove with eight saves, bringing his total to 13 saves across the three matches.

Speaking to reporters after the win over Hradec Kralove, Nubel said: "We played against a tough opponent. They had a few chances but we stayed together as a team and defended well. It was an important win." Reflecting on the affection shown to him by Besiktas fans, the German goalkeeper added: "It's a good feeling. I've gotten on well with everyone since day one. I want to keep it that way." Fans calling him up to the stands to applaud him after the match was also a notable moment.

For a Besiktas side that has long struggled to find consistency in goal, this run of clean sheets is being seen as a strong signal for head coach Vincenzo Italiano's new project. Newspaper columns have also praised sporting director Onder Ozen's decision to sign Nubel following a troubled period with the club's previous goalkeeping options. The question now is whether Nubel can maintain this level of consistency once league matches begin.

Image: T24