Veli Kavlak

Veli Kavlak (born 3 November 1988) is an Austrian former professional footballer who played as a midfielder for Rapid Wien and Turkish club Beşiktaş. He made 31 appearances for the Austria at international level scoring one goal.

International career
On 15 August 2012 he scored against his parents' home country Turkey playing for Austria in the 3rd minute. Austria went on to win that game 2–0.

Style of play
Kavlak is a defensive box-to-box midfielder. At club level, he is deployed in the holding role and is key in midfield with his tireless running and endless stamina. He is also a hardworking leader and although not being known for unsportsmanlike acts, he is known to be a hatchet man in midfield. Kavlak is often accompanied by another more offensive central midfielder such as Manuel Fernandes and Oğuzhan Özyakup. At international level, however, he has most prominently featured in a more advanced position in front of a holding midfielder.

Personal life
Veli Kavlak was born to Turkish parents. He also holds Turkish citizenship. He speaks Turkish fluently.

International

 * Scores and results list Austria's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Kavlak goal.

Honours
Rapid Wien
 * Austrian Bundesliga: 2004–05, 2007–08

Beşiktaş
 * Süper Lig: 2015–16, 2016–17