Former Celtic striker Oh Hyeon-gyu has settled quickly at Besiktas and made an instant impact in Turkey.
The South Korean forward signed for the Istanbul club in January from Genk in a deal believed to be worth around £12 million. He left Belgium with 22 goals in 73 appearances, built on steady involvement rather than short cameos.
He was trusted to lead the line and that showed in his numbers. Besiktas saw enough to move quickly, and in doing so made him the first South Korean player to represent the club.
His first week has justified that call.
Oh scored on his debut against Alanyaspor, reacting sharply inside the box and finishing with composure under pressure. In his second outing, against Istanbul Basaksehir, he struck again and added an assist.
Two matches have brought two goals and two assists. More than the goals and assits, it is how he is scoring that catches the eye. He stays between the posts, plays off the shoulder of the centre-half and attacks the near post when the ball goes wide. Besiktas rely on delivery from the wings, and Oh has been quick to read it.
Those goals have already written his name into club history. No Besiktas striker since Ailton in the 2005/06 season had scored in each of his first two games after joining. Oh has matched that record within days.
Celtic supporters will recognise Oh’s strengths. He was always direct and brave in the box, willing to gamble for second balls and rebounds.
In Turkey he looks stronger and more certain in his movement. If the service continues and he keeps making those runs across defenders, this start could be the base for a strong spell.
