Sunday was a big day in Europe for a pair of Canadians—one reached the top of the mountain with his club, while another took a big step in his own personal journey.
Atiba Hutchinson, one of Canada’s longest serving and most decorated players, won the Turkish Super Lig title with Besiktas. The 33-year-old, born in Brampton, Ontario, has been a crucial part of the midfield in his three seasons with the Istanbul-based club.
In addition to the domestic glory, the league victory puts Hutchinson on course to compete in the UEFA Champions League group stage for the first time since 2006 (when he was with FC Copenhagen). Besiktas fell just short of reaching the Champions League group stage in 2014, losing to Arsenal in a qualifying playoff in which Hutchinson drew praise from Gunners manager Arsene Wenger.
Elsewhere on Sunday, young defender Fikayo Tomori capped off an incredible week—and incredible season—by making his Premier League debut, as a second-half sub for Chelsea against Leicester City.
Earlier this week, the Calgary-born 18-year-old was named Chelsea’s Academy Player of the Year, and made his first appearance on the senior team’s matchday roster in a midweek game against Liverpool.
And Tomori’s meteoric ascent this season—which has also included multiple appearances for Canada’s Under-20 team—has some fans wondering whether he could be joining Hutchinson on the senior national team in the months ahead.
