Kenan Yildiz compared to Lamine Yamal and Michael Laudrup as ex-Juventus, Inter & AC Milan star sees 'a fire inside' young forward

Juventus wonderkid Yildiz has been lauded by former Italy, Juventus and Inter striker Aldo Serena, who compared the Turkish forward's playing style to that of Danish great Michael Laudrup. In an interview with Italian media outlet Tuttosport, Serena praised the 20-year-old's on-field mentality and unique technical ability, while downplaying recent comparisons to Barcelona's Yamal.

The high praise comes as Yildiz enters what is expected to be a crucial third season in Turin. Having broken into the first team, the forward is now tasked with confirming his status as one of Europe's top young talents. Serena believes Yildiz has the perfect mentality to succeed, noting a contrast between his polite off-field demeanour and his aggressive, hungry attitude during matches.

Speaking on Yildiz's mentality, Serena said: "One thing more than anything else: he appears very kind, composed, and polite. But in his case, that's not at all misleading: the fact that he's so measured in his behavior doesn't make him soft, on the contrary. On the pitch, he's someone who knows how to command respect. He has a fire inside him that he fuels day after day on the pitch: I'm struck by his hunger, his desire to progress."

On the Lamine Yamal comparison, he said: "It's probably an exaggerated comparison. But not because Kenan lacks anything. They have similar characteristics, yes, but Yildiz is unique. He has everything, he has a recognizable way of playing. He doesn't have to chase anyone to demonstrate how much he can shift the balance of power. In general, a comparison like that to Yamal doesn't do him any good , because he lacks nothing to be a world-class player.

"When I see him play, I immediately think of Laudrup . The way he curves, the way he brakes with the ball at his feet, and the way he counters. But Laudrup, who was a sublime player, reveled in dribbling. Too much, exaggerating certain plays that then prevented him from being effective in front of goal. Yildiz, on the other hand, wants to shoot more. He tries to convert the fruit of his technique; he has a different nastiness."

After providing two assists in Juventus' opening Serie A match against Parma, Yildiz will be looking to cement his place as a key attacker for the club this season. The Turkish international will be a vital part of Juve's domestic and Champions League campaigns. He will now be seen in action against Genoa on Sunday in the second week of the campaign.