Benin midfielder Junior Olaitan has quickly become one of the most popular players among Beşiktaş supporters after transforming his fortunes in Istanbul.
The 24-year-old attacking midfielder arrived at the Turkish club with little attention during last season’s winter transfer window, but his performances this season have made him an important figure for the Süper Lig side.
Olaitan joined Beşiktaş from Göztepe midway through last season in a move that initially attracted little attention.
His arrival in Istanbul was so low-key that there was no reception for him at the airport.
The Benin international also struggled to immediately make the expected impact on the pitch as he adjusted to his new surroundings.
However, his fortunes have changed significantly since Vincenzo Italiano took charge as Beşiktaş manager.
Under the Italian coach, Olaitan has developed into a player capable of contributing at both ends of the pitch.
His energy, commitment and willingness to work defensively as well as offensively have helped him establish himself within the team.
That approach has also won over supporters who have responded positively to his work rate and mentality.
Olaitan’s performances have given him a growing reputation among Beşiktaş fans, with his style of play fitting the demands expected from players representing the Istanbul club in domestic and European competition.
The Beninese midfielder has made a particularly strong start to the current campaign.
He has featured in 12 official matches, starting 11 of them, and has accumulated 909 minutes on the pitch.
More significantly, Olaitan has contributed six assists during that period, underlining his growing importance to Beşiktaş’s attacking play.
Those numbers represent a considerable change in his standing at the club.
A player whose arrival in Istanbul initially passed almost unnoticed has become a regular starter and an important contributor to the team’s attacking output.
For the Benin international, the emergence under Italiano represents a significant new stage in his career.
His ability to combine attacking creativity with defensive effort has been central to his development under the Italian coach.
Rather than relying solely on his attacking qualities, Olaitan has shown a willingness to contribute to different phases of the game.
That level of commitment has helped him connect with the Beşiktaş supporters, who have increasingly embraced the Beninese player.
His rise also provides a positive story for Beninese football, with a player representing the West African country establishing himself at one of Turkey’s prominent clubs.
For a player who arrived quietly, Olaitan’s progress has been striking.
His first months at Beşiktaş were characterised by the need to adapt and prove himself, but the change in his fortunes has been evident since Italiano’s arrival.
The midfielder has responded to the new manager’s approach by becoming a regular starter and producing consistent contributions in the final third.
Six assists in his first 12 official appearances of the season have made him a key part of Beşiktaş’s attacking play.
His performances have also helped shift the perception around his signing.
What initially looked like an understated arrival has developed into a successful period for the Benin international, who is now one of the players attracting significant support from the Istanbul faithful.
Olaitan’s challenge will now be to maintain the level he has reached.
With 909 minutes already played this season and 11 starts from 12 official matches, expectations around the 24-year-old have increased.
The attacking midfielder will be expected to continue providing the energy, commitment and creativity that have made him a fan favourite.
For Beşiktaş, his emergence offers another attacking option as the club competes in the Süper Lig and Europa League.
For Olaitan, meanwhile, the journey from an almost unnoticed arrival in Istanbul to becoming a valued member of the squad represents a major turnaround.
The Beninese player now has the opportunity to build on his impressive start and establish himself as an increasingly important figure at Beşiktaş.
