The Turkish defender has made 237 appearances across his career, a substantial tally that speaks to his consistency at club level. Ayhan operates as a centre-back, a position where longevity and reliability matter as much as individual brilliance.
His attacking contribution is notable for a defender. Twenty-five goals and nine assists across those 237 games show he is more than a passive presence at the back - he has been involved in set-piece routines and has the physical presence to trouble opposition defences. That goal tally averages roughly one every nine-and-a-half matches, which is respectable for someone whose primary job is defending.
Ayhan represents Türkiye internationally, adding another layer to a career built on steady accumulation of experience. He is a player who has earned his minutes through dependability rather than flash, the kind of defender coaches trust to do the job week after week.
His profile fits the modern centre-back mould: capable of stepping into the attack when required, but fundamentally sound in his core defensive duties.
