Overview
Volkan Şen is a Turkish professional footballer, born on July 7, 1987, in Bursa, Turkey. Primarily operating as a winger, Şen's career has been defined by his dynamic presence on the flanks, offering both creative impetus and direct attacking threat. Standing at 1.75 meters, he is known for his agility and ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations. Throughout his career, Şen has represented several notable clubs in the Turkish Süper Lig, including Bursaspor, Trabzonspor, and Fenerbahçe, becoming a familiar figure in Turkish football. His performances at club level also earned him caps for the Turkey national team, where he contributed to their international campaigns.
Position
Volkan Şen's primary position is a wide midfielder or winger. He has predominantly been deployed on the right flank, leveraging his right foot for dribbling and crossing, but is also capable of playing on the left, cutting inside onto his stronger foot. This versatility allowed coaches tactical flexibility, as he could provide width or drift into central areas to link play or take shots. His role typically involved stretching opposition defenses, creating space for teammates, and delivering crosses into the penalty area.
Identity
Şen's headline identity can be summarized as a 'direct and tricky winger'. His game is built around his ability to take on and bypass defenders with pace and close control. This directness often led to moments of individual brilliance, either through creating goal-scoring opportunities for others or by finding the back of the net himself. His commitment and work rate, particularly in tracking back, also contributed to his overall value to the teams he represented.
Career path
Volkan Şen's football journey began in his hometown of Bursa, where he developed through the youth ranks before making his professional debut. His career path saw him move between several prominent Turkish clubs, leaving a significant mark at each.
Bursaspor (2005–2011)
Şen started his senior career at Bursaspor, making his debut in the 2005-2006 season. He spent six seasons with the club, gradually establishing himself as a key player. His most notable period came during the 2009-2010 season, where he was an integral part of the Bursaspor squad that famously won the Süper Lig title, marking a historic achievement for the club. This success brought him national attention and solidified his reputation as a promising winger. He made 130 appearances for Bursaspor across all competitions, scoring 14 goals, according to Transfermarkt.
Trabzonspor (2011–2013)
Following his success at Bursaspor, Şen moved to Trabzonspor in the summer of 2011. His tenure at Trabzonspor was marked by consistent performances, though the club did not achieve the same level of league success as his previous spell. He continued to showcase his dribbling ability and pace on the wing, contributing to the team's attacking play. He played 53 matches and scored 3 goals for Trabzonspor before his departure, as detailed by Transfermarkt.
Fenerbahçe (2014–2017)
After a brief return to Bursaspor in 2013-2014, Şen made a significant move to Fenerbahçe in 2014. At Fenerbahçe, he became a regular starter and played a crucial role in the team's campaigns in both domestic competitions and European football. His time at the Istanbul giants saw him compete at the highest level of Turkish football, challenging for the Süper Lig title and participating in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League. He made 76 appearances and scored 9 goals for Fenerbahçe across all competitions, according to Transfermarkt data.
Later Career
Following his spell at Fenerbahçe, Şen continued his career with various clubs, including Adana Demirspor, Konyaspor, and Eyüpspor, among others. These later moves saw him continue to contribute his experience and attacking prowess, albeit in different capacities, as he transitioned through various stages of his career in Turkish football.
Playing style
Volkan Şen's playing style is characterized by his attributes as a traditional winger, focused on attacking transitions and individual brilliance. His technical profile made him a challenging opponent for full-backs, particularly in wide areas.
Dribbling and Pace
One of Şen's most prominent attributes was his dribbling ability. He possessed excellent close control and the quick feet necessary to navigate tight spaces and beat defenders. This was often combined with significant pace, allowing him to accelerate past opponents once he had committed them. His tendency to take on defenders directly was a key feature of his game, often leading to attacking opportunities or drawing fouls in dangerous areas. Data from platforms like FBref often highlights wingers with high dribble completion rates and progressive carries, which would align with Şen's on-field actions.
Crossing and Final Ball
Operating primarily from the right wing, Şen was tasked with delivering crosses into the penalty area. His right foot allowed him to whip in dangerous balls, aiming for strikers and attacking midfielders. While known for his direct runs, his ability to provide a decisive final pass or cross was also a valuable asset. His decision-making in the final third, balancing between shooting and passing, evolved throughout his career. Advanced metrics from sources like Sofascore often track key passes and assist numbers, which would reflect his contribution in this area.
Work Rate and Defensive Contribution
While primarily an attacking player, Şen also demonstrated a willingness to track back and contribute defensively. Modern wingers are increasingly required to participate in defensive phases, and Şen adapted to these demands, showing effort in pressing and supporting his full-back. This balance between offensive flair and defensive responsibility made him a more complete player, valued by coaches looking for dynamic wide options.
Comparisons
In terms of playing style, Şen could be compared to other direct, pacey wingers who rely on individual skill to create chances. While not a direct stylistic clone, his attributes share similarities with players known for their explosive runs and dribbling, such as early-career Arda Turan or other Turkish wingers who excel in one-on-one situations.
Achievements & honours
Volkan Şen's career includes a significant team honour, which stands as a highlight of his time in Turkish football.
Club Honours
His most notable achievement came during his first spell with Bursaspor, where he was a pivotal member of the squad that secured a historic league title.
| Club | Competition | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Bursaspor | Süper Lig | 2009–10 |
Individual Milestones
While specific individual awards are not widely documented for Şen, his consistent presence in top-tier Turkish football for over a decade, and his role in a Süper Lig winning team, are testaments to his enduring quality and impact. His contribution to Bursaspor's title win is often cited as a career-defining period, where he gained significant recognition for his performances.
International career
Volkan Şen represented the Turkey national team at various levels, culminating in appearances for the senior squad. His performances at club level earned him recognition from national team selectors, leading to his debut for the senior side.
Youth and U21 Levels
Şen first featured for Turkey at youth international levels, progressing through the U19 and U21 squads. These experiences provided him with exposure to international competition and helped in his development as a professional footballer. His performances for the U21 team, in particular, highlighted his potential and put him on the radar for the senior national team.
Senior National Team
Volkan Şen made his senior debut for the Turkey national team in 2010. He went on to earn 26 caps for his country, scoring 2 goals during his international career, as recorded by FIFA and other football statistics sites. He was a regular call-up during several qualification campaigns for major tournaments, including the UEFA European Championship and the FIFA World Cup. While he did not feature in the final squad for a major tournament, his presence in the national team setup during a significant period speaks to his consistent form and value to the squad.
Role for Country
For the national team, Şen typically played in his accustomed wide midfield or winger role, providing pace and directness. He was often used to stretch opposition defenses, create chances, and provide an attacking outlet. His two international goals demonstrated his ability to contribute directly to the scoresheet when given the opportunity. His international career spanned several years, showcasing his longevity and consistent performance at a high level.
What makes Volkan Şen stand out
Volkan Şen stood out primarily for his electrifying dribbling ability and raw pace, particularly in his prime. He possessed a fearless approach to taking on defenders, often committing multiple players and creating space for his teammates. This directness was a rare commodity, making him a perpetual threat in wide areas. His ability to change direction quickly and burst past opponents was a signature trait, often leading to exciting moments for fans.
Another distinguishing factor was his knack for performing in crucial matches, particularly during Bursaspor's historic Süper Lig triumph. In that season, his contributions were instrumental, showcasing a capacity to deliver under pressure. He wasn't just a flair player; he also had the grit and determination to track back and contribute defensively, making him a more rounded winger than many purely attacking counterparts.
"Volkan was a player who could change the game in an instant with his dribbling. He always played with passion and gave his all on the pitch."