Veli Kavlak (born 3 November 1988) is an Austrian former footballer who played as a midfielder. Born in Vienna, Kavlak has represented Austria at international level. Playing style 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. 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. Career statistics Club International International goals Scores and results list Turkey's goal tally first. Honours Club SK Rapid Wien Austrian Bundesliga (2): 2004–05 , 2007–08 Beşiktaş J.K. Süper Lig (2): 2015–16 , 2016–17 Personal life Veli Kavlak was born to Turkish parents. He also holds Turkish citizenship. He speaks Turkish fluently. References External links 1988 births Living people Footballers from Vienna Austrian people of Turkish descent Austrian footballers Austrian expatriate footballers Austria international footballers SK Rapid Wien players Beşiktaş J.K. footballers Süper Lig players Austrian Football Bundesliga players Expatriate footballers in Turkey Austria under-21 international footballers Austria youth international footballers Austrian expatriate sportspeople in Turkey Association football midfielders