Profile

Much of Volkan Demirel's career at club level has been spent challenging Rüştü Reçber for the goalkeeper's jersey at Fenerbahçe SK. Now, with the latter having moved to Beşiktaş, that particular contest has been transferred to the Turkish national team. Strong and agile, the 26-year-old enjoyed an excellent 2007/08 season on all fronts.

Left lower-division Kartalspor, where he made 51 appearances, for Fenerbahçe in 2002.

Just one game in 2002/03 but came to fore following season when Rüştü was at FC Barcelona, proving himself a reliable replacement as Fenerbahçe won Turkish title.

Returned to shadows following Rüştü's return but reasserted himself in 2005/06, playing all six UEFA Champions League matches and featuring regularly for Turkey in FIFA World Cup qualification.

Came into his own in 2007/08, especially in Europe as he helped Fenerbahçe reach quarter-finals of UEFA Champions League.

Started four UEFA EURO 2008 qualifiers, including both games v Greece.

Did you know?

Volkan went from villain to hero in Fenerbahçe's UEFA Champions League first knockout round second-leg tie against Sevilla FC, conceding two goals in the first few minutes but redeeming himself with three saves in the penalty shoot-out to steer his team into the quarter-finals.