Arriving from Sparta Rotterdam for just under £3m in January, Halil Dervişoğlu hasn’t had much time to showcase what he can do at Brentford.
The Turkey U21 international has only played two minutes of league football so far for the Championship side, but was given some game time by Thomas Frank in a recent friendly against Arsenal, as both clubs prepare for their return to competitive football in their respective leagues.
In a game that finished in a 3-2 win for Brentford, Dervişoğlu scored the equaliser to make it 2-2, and it’s a moment he will remember for the rest of his life, even though there were no fans there to witness his achievement.
Speaking to AD in Holland, he first spoke about what it was like playing at the Emirates.
He said: “I’ve played at the Kuip, in the Arena, at Het Kasteel. I still get goosebumps every time, but that was really the most beautiful stadium in which I’ve ever played football. Even without a crowd, it was unparalleled. And then you get to score… Really, I have no words for it.
“Apparently, I didn’t cheer, wanted to appear professional, but trust me, I went completely crazy inside. Arsenal, man! Even though it was a friendly game, it was one of the most beautiful days in my life”.
Unfortunately for the young Brentford striker, he was unable to take a souvenir home, as the Covid-19 restrictions meant he wasn’t allowed to swap shirts with any of the Gunners on the field.
Then again, as he said: “Hopefully, I’ll get another chance soon”.
With Brentford currently battling for a playoff spot in the Championship, it’s certainly a possibility.
