‘30 crosses instead of 10’: Onuachu’s impact on Trabzonspor highlighted

Former Fenerbahce right-back Ilker Yagcıoglu says Trabzonspor’s attacking approach changes significantly depending on whether Paul Onuachu is available.

Speaking after Trabzonspor’s 2-0 victory over Besiktas at Papara Park, Yagcıoglu pointed to the number of crosses produced by the home side as evidence of the Nigerian striker’s influence. He said Trabzonspor attempted only 10 crosses in the match, but suggested that figure could have reached 30 had Onuachu been involved.

Onuachu was unavailable for the matchday eight Turkish Super Lig fixture after suffering an injury in the opening minutes of last Thursday’s UEFA Conference League meeting with KuPS.

The FC Ebedei product is approximately 2.01 metres tall, and his height, strength and ability in the air provide Trabzonspor with a clear target in attacking situations. His presence is particularly influential when the team uses crosses or set-pieces to create chances.

Yagcıoglu contrasted Trabzonspor’s style with Onuachu in the side with the approach used in his absence, when Franculino led the attack.

“Trabzonspor’s game has changed. They were playing a different game with Onuachu, and they’re playing a different game with Franculino,” the former defender said on TRT Spor via NTV Spor.

He added: “For example, let me tell you this; in the Besiktas match, they only made 10 crosses.

“If Onuachu had been there, that number of crosses would have increased to 30.”

The comments underline how Onuachu’s physical profile affects the way Trabzonspor build their attacks. Without him against Besiktas, Yagcıoglu observed a reduced reliance on deliveries into the penalty area, while the team’s attacking method differed with Franculino in the forward position.

Onuachu finished the 2025-26 Turkish Super Lig season as the joint top scorer, scoring 22 goals in 30 games.

Despite his absence, Trabzonspor secured a 2-0 win over Besiktas at Papara Park. The match formed part of the eighth round of the Turkish Super Lig, while Onuachu’s injury came during the club’s UEFA Conference League match against KuPS the previous Thursday.