After five straight games on the bench in a competitive context, the opportunity arose for centre-back Bleon Kurtulus. Marcus Olsson stepped off and in the 80th minute Kurtulus had to make his Allsvenskan debut – aged 16.
On the second half, his eight-year-older older brother Edvin and his Hammarby chased a reduction goal. It came when both brothers were on the field, but Bleons Halmstads BK held on and won at Örjans Vall with 2-1.
– Great, of course to be able to do it at home too. But also to win. There has been a lot of talk between me and Edvin before the match, and it was nice to have three pins and an All-Swedish debut, says Bleon Kurtulus to Fotbollskanalen.
After the final whistle, the HBK products hugged each other, and Bleon burst into tears.
– He became emotional and I am happy for him. He has fought for this for a long time. We have a close relationship, says Edvin Kurtulus and continues:
– I’m happy for him, it’s something he deserved. Extra fun that I get to be there when it happens.
In advance, the brothers had talked about the possibility of a Bleon debut against Bajen. While Edvin got to play four A-national matches, Bleon is the team captain in the U17 national team. This is how Edvin describes the great talent:
– He is a young, ambitious player who wants a lot. Far ahead in its development. But now it’s about working even harder for him and keeping his feet on the ground, and learning from the seniors in the team. Try to get as many minutes as possible to be as good as possible.
HBK manager Magnus Haglund was full of praise after the teenager’s barely 20 minutes on the pitch.
– He handled the task in the very best way. I was not surprised by that, because Bleon has that mentality, the tough psyche and the good physique. In addition, he is a very skilled center back. Unbelievably fun with an Allsvenskan debutant at the age of 16, says Haglund.
