Yusuf Can Alkan

I’m Yusuf, 20 years old, born and raised in Bucharest, Romania. From a very young age, football has been my only passion and focus. I played for 13 years at youth level, and in 2022 I transitioned to a more academic approach by starting a bachelor's degree in Physical Education. I will graduate this June.I speak Romanian, English, and Turkish fluently, and I’m highly motivated to learn new languages to support my career in football. Last semester, I participated in the Erasmus+ Programme at Politécnico de Santarém in Portugal, which gave me valuable insight into the Portuguese football and academic system, one that I found truly impressive.

Whenever I visit a new city, I make it a priority to explore the local football culture by visiting stadiums and training facilities. This habit reflects my deep passion for the game and my constant desire to learn from different football environments

In my second year, I began working as an Assistant Coach for an under-8 football team. This hands-on experience taught me how to lead, communicate, and inspire young players and confirmed that I want to dedicate my life to the game. After 9 months, I became increasingly interested in the analytical side of football, where I saw huge potential to grow.

I enrolled in multiple courses through the Professional Football Scouts Association and Hudl Sportscode, earning certificates in Performance Analysis, Data Analysis, Opposition Analysis, and Football Analytics. These courses expanded my understanding of the game and made me even more curious to apply this knowledge in real-life environments.

I am still at the beginning of my journey, but I see this as a strength. Starting early allows me to build deep, practical knowledge while remaining adaptable and innovative. After completing my bachelor's, I plan to pursue a master’s in Performance Analysis in Football, with a strong interest in Strength & Conditioning as well.

• Performance Analysis in Football-Level 2
• Opposition Analysis in Football- Level 2
• Data Analysis in Football-Level 1
• Introduction to Football Analytics
• Talent Identification in Football