Besiktas devise special plan to stop Mohamed Salah ahead of Trabzonspor clash

Besiktas boss Vincenzo Italiano is reportedly devising a special defensive plan to contain Mohamed Salah when the Turkish giants face Trabzonspor in the Turkish Super Lig.

Trabzonspor are scheduled to host Besiktas on Tuesday evening in a highly anticipated encounter, with Salah expected to be one of the key players to watch following his impressive start to life in Turkish football.

According to reports, Italiano is considering deploying Kassim Ouattara on the left side of the defence to limit the Egyptian forward’s influence during the match.

The reported tactical adjustment highlights Besiktas’ concerns over Salah’s attacking threat, with the experienced forward quickly establishing himself as an important figure at Trabzonspor since arriving at the club last summer.

Salah has enjoyed an impressive start to the campaign, registering 10 goal contributions in his first seven league appearances. His early-season performances have underlined his ability to influence matches through both goals and assists, making him a major threat ahead of Tuesday’s showdown.

The 34-year-old also delivered an impressive performance in Trabzonspor’s Europa League victory over Finnish side KuPS last Thursday, scoring one goal and providing an assist to help his team secure the win.

His recent form is expected to place him firmly on Besiktas’ defensive agenda as they prepare for the difficult away assignment.

Meanwhile, Besiktas are also reportedly considering adjustments to their midfield for the encounter, with the Turkish report indicating that Orkun could be included in the starting line-up as the team deals with an injury-related concern involving Orkun, who has reportedly suffered an injury to his left foot.

The potential changes suggest that Besiktas are carefully assessing their options ahead of a fixture that could prove important in shaping their early-season campaign.

Trabzonspor, who sit fifth in the league standings with 13 points, will be eager to capitalise on their home advantage and continue their push towards the top end of the table.

For Salah, the match presents another opportunity to extend his impressive run and demonstrate why Besiktas are reportedly preparing a specific defensive strategy to contain him.

With the Egyptian forward in excellent form, Trabzonspor will hope he can deliver another decisive performance against one of their biggest rivals in Turkish football.