Beninese midfielder Junior Olaitan inspires Göztepe to 3-0 win over Beşiktaş

Junior Olaitan produced a commanding performance as Göztepe stunned Beşiktaş with a 3-0 victory in the Turkish Super Lig, a result that lifted the Izmir-based side into second place in the standings.

The 22-year-old Beninese international was at the heart of everything his team did well on the night, combining creativity, industry and composure to deliver what was arguably his finest performance of the season.

From the first whistle, Olaitan displayed remarkable authority in midfield, dictating play and unsettling the visitors with his intensity and precision.

Göztepe’s victory was built on collective discipline and tactical clarity, but it was Olaitan who stole the headlines.

The attacking midfielder won 11 of the 12 duels he contested, underlining his dominance in one-on-one situations, and successfully completed all five of his attempted dribbles.

His ability to glide past opponents while maintaining control gave Göztepe an attacking outlet that Beşiktaş struggled to contain throughout the match.

Such was his influence that the crowd frequently rose in appreciation, and his teammates looked to him as the creative spark in crucial moments.

Beyond the statistics, it was his confidence and poise that stood out — every touch carried purpose, every pass shifted the rhythm of play.

Beşiktaş, one of Turkey’s traditional giants, were left chasing shadows as Olaitan orchestrated a memorable display.

Unsurprisingly, he was named Man of the Match, receiving an 8.1 rating on Sofascore — the highest of any player on the pitch.

His contribution not only sealed the three points for Göztepe but also reinforced his growing reputation as one of the league’s most exciting young midfielders.

This latest performance marks a continuation of Olaitan’s upward trajectory since his move to Turkey. Having already shown glimpses of promise earlier in the campaign, he has now firmly established himself as a key figure in the Göztepe squad.

For supporters, his rise has brought a sense of optimism about what the season could hold, particularly with the club pushing towards the upper reaches of the table.

Olaitan’s journey has been notable for its steady progression. Previously on the books of French side ESTAC Troyes, where he earned an annual salary of €59,717  .

While those figures highlight his market worth, his recent displays suggest his value on the pitch is increasing rapidly.

For Göztepe, the win against Beşiktaş represents more than just three points. It sends a statement of intent to the rest of the league that they are capable of competing with the country’s biggest clubs.

With Olaitan in this kind of form, their ambitions of challenging for honours or securing a European place look increasingly realistic.

As the season progresses, much will depend on whether Olaitan can maintain this level of consistency. If he does, the Beninese international could not only drive Göztepe’s success but also attract attention from clubs across Europe. For now, though, he remains the beating heart of a team on the rise, and his performance against Beşiktaş will be remembered as a defining moment in his young career.

Biz İzmir’iz👊 Evimizde 3 puanı 3 golle alıyoruz!💛❤#Göztepe pic.twitter.com/5PAtlhZQPY

— Göztepe Spor Kulübü (@Goztepe) September 19, 2025