Juventus midfielder Yildiz is now regarded as one of the brightest young talents in the game. However, he was almost lost from football as a junior.
“I noticed him in a very narrow alley in the center of Regensburg," Staude, then director of the SV Sallern youth team, told Tuttosport.
“He was into kickboxing and didn't want to play football. I saw him again a few weeks later and in the end he was convinced and changed his mind.”
The qualities of Yildiz were clear almost from the start.
Staude continued: "He immediately became one of the best in the youth team. His speed was evident, even in his ability to observe game situations. And he always wanted to improve: for example, after training he would always run two or three laps around the pitch, of his own accord."
At the end of his first season, trials began, which would lead Yildiz to the Bayern Munich youth team.
And now, where can he end up? “I can't predict the future. Juve is a top club, he doesn't necessarily have to leave, at least not for a better salary. He has to ask himself what's best for him, and for his future. Ballon d'Or? The wonderful thing about football is that it's a team sport, but yes, he has the qualities.”