Players to Watch 01: Can Uzun
This marks the start of a new series where we use data to highlight players who are currently performing at a high level. For this first analysis, we examined passing data from the 2025/26 season across Europe’s top five leagues, focusing on two key metrics: progressive passes and progressive distance. To ensure fair comparisons, all figures were normalized per 90 minutes.
What is a progressive pass? A progressive pass is defined as a completed pass that moves the ball at least 10 yards closer to the opponent’s goal from its furthest point in the previous six passes, or any completed pass that enters the penalty area. Passes originating from the defending 40% of the pitch are excluded.
All statistics used in this analysis are sourced from FBref, with advanced metrics provided by Opta.
Our focus today is on the 19 years old Can Uzun, the Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder who has made an impressive start to the season, scoring 5 goals and providing three 3 so far in 6 matches. On the chart, Uzun appears in the bottom-right quadrant, meaning he exceeds the 75th percentile in progressive passes per 90, but falls short of that threshold in progressive distance per 90.
Can Uzun is a highly promising Turkish attacking midfielder and forward, born on November 11, 2005, in Nuremberg, Germany. Despite being born and raised in Germany, he represents the Turkish national team at senior level, having chosen to play for his ancestral country over Germany.
Uzun began his football journey in 1. FC Nürnberg’s youth academy, where his technical skill, vision, and composure in front of goal quickly made him stand out. He made his professional debut for Nürnberg in the 2023/24 season in the Bundesliga 2, where he impressed with his creativity, dribbling, and goal-scoring instinct particularly for a teenager.
In summer 2024, his breakout performances earned him a move to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga, where he continues to develop as one of Europe’s most exciting young attacking talents. Still only 19 years old, Uzun combines Turkish flair with German footballing discipline, making him a dynamic modern attacking midfielder capable of influencing games through both goals and progressive playmaking.
Performance This Season
Let’s take a look at a few moments from this season that highlight his qualities as a midfielder.
Frankfurt vs Werder Bremen
He has scored five goals and provided three assists so far this season. In the league opener against Werder Bremen, Uzun delivered a standout performance, scoring once and assisting twice. His goal came from outside the box, a powerful right-footed strike that flew past the goalkeeper and into the net.
One of his assists came in the 23rd minute, just two minutes after his goal. The play began with Uzun scanning the box and anticipating a potential pass. As soon as he received the ball, he delivered a precise cross into the area, allowing the striker to head it home with ease.
Borussia M’Gladbach vs Frankfurt
In a thrilling 4–6 encounter, he contributed both a goal and an assist. After a long, high forward pass from the defender, he showcased excellent control to bring the ball down smoothly. Finding himself with space, he waited patiently for a teammate’s run before delivering a perfectly timed and weighted short pass that set up the goal.
Can Uzun’s early-season performances underline why he’s considered one of the brightest young prospects in Europe. His ability to combine technical skill with vision and composure in the final third makes him a constant threat both as a creator and finisher. While his progressive passing numbers already place him among the league’s most forward-thinking midfielders, further development in his ball-carrying could elevate him into an even more complete attacking force.
At just 19, Uzun’s maturity, awareness, and end product suggest a player well ahead of his age curve and one worth keeping a close eye on as the season unfolds.