🔥 Crazy, ambitious & focused: Goalie of the Season in the spotlight | OneFootball

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World-class save and immediately folding the front men in response. Typical of Tugay Akbakla, who has finally played his way into the hearts of Icon League fans this season. But he not only thrilled the spectators with his style and goalkeeping. The team heads are also convinced by the goalkeeper from DNA Athletics.

They voted him Goalie of the Season. "A great honor," says Akbakla, who is proud that his performance is being recognized. In the same breath, however, he immediately looks forward to the bigger goal: the Final-8 tournament on Sunday in Berlin.

A Madman on the Field

On the field, Nerlich describes him as crazy and suggests he has a slight "crack." And indeed, anyone who experiences Akbakla on the field sees a player who gets emotional and leads loudly.

In private, however, Akbakla describes himself as "calm and factual." But when it's game day, the 28-year-old switches into his mode. "I often ask myself why I'm so extreme," says Akbakla, laughing. It's probably due to his ambitious nature. "I just can't lose." And when it does happen, not only his mood suffers - but often also that of his girlfriend, as he adds with a wink.

More Than Saves: Akbakla as a Playing Goalkeeper

But he is not only important for DNA because of his saves or his loud manner on the field, but also because of his skills with the ball. This is of enormous importance in the Icon League, as having a goalkeeper strong in football can always create an outnumbered situation. Akbakla's goalkeeper role model is Stefan Ortega, who is also known for his footballing skills.

Statistically, Akbakla also underscores his class: In his 13 games in the regular season, Akbakla has 706 passes, 886 ball actions, and 108 saves. Top values and a decisive factor in DNA becoming the regular-season champion.

Title Dreams in Berlin

Last season, DNA failed in the final. Team head Niklas Sommer has repeatedly stated clearly that the title is the goal.

Akbakla himself remains humble: "I'm not a man of big words. I want my performance on the field to speak."

His confidence in the team is palpable. "The team spirit is outstanding," he emphasizes. He still knows six players from Nuremberg, with whom he regularly played long before the Icon League. "Really awesome characters," Akbakla calls his teammates, with whom he shares more than just football. He also praises the environment: DNA has created perfect conditions.

As for the possible opponents for the Final 8, Akbakla has no preferences. "If you want to be a champion, you have to beat everyone," he quoted the often-used football wisdom. With this mindset, he wants to take the field with his team on Sunday.

Whether it will be enough for the big title in the end remains to be seen. What is certain is that DNA Athletics will need an Akbakla in top form if the dream of the title is to become a reality.