Juventus were back in action on Sunday afternoon, recording their second victory in the FIFA Club World Cup thanks in no small part to a magical performance from Kenan Yildiz.

The Italian side already made a fine start to the competition with a comprehensive victory over Al Ain, a 5-0 rout at Audi Field in Washington DC which was analysed in this previous column.

They were back in action over the weekend, this time at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field for a meeting with Moroccan side Wydad, with boss Igor Tudor naming an unchanged lineup from their first outing.

It did not take long for the Bianconeri to establish control. A neat exchange with Khephrem Thuram released Kenan Yildiz into the opposition box, the Turkey international firing a powerful effort that deflected off Abdelmounaim Boutouil before going in.

Officially logged as an own goal by the defender, it was a signal of intent from Yildiz who tormented Wydad throughout the game. Just moments after opening the scoring, the 20-year-old delivered a wonderful cross that almost picked out Randal Kolo Muani.

There was then confusion in the Juve defence that almost allowed Samuel Obeng to score, but Michele Di Gregorio made a good save to spare Weston McKennie and Andrea Cambiaso any embarrassment.

Normal service quickly resumed and, with 16 minutes on the clock, it was once again Yildiz providing the cutting edge. An extended period of attacking play from Juve eventually resulted in the ball dropping to the no.10 on the edge of the area and he made no mistake, despatching a stunning effort that the goalkeeper was powerless to stop.

The Turin giants then eased up somewhat, Di Gregorio again called into action to deny Guilherme Ferreira, before a great ball from Nordin Amrabat allowed Thembinkosi Lorch to grab a goal for Wydad.

Half time came and went as Juventus re-established control. Andrea Cambiaso hit the post from close range, before some excellent interplay from Kolo Muani and Yildiz saw the latter score yet again.

Dusan Vlahovic came off the bench and converted a penalty to make it 4-1, but there was little doubt as to whom the evening belonged. According to WhoScored.com, Yildiz ended the game with two goals from just two shots, but was unfortunate that the own goal ruling denied him a memorable hat trick.

He also registered two successful take-ons, made five crosses and delivered one key pass. Also weighing in defensively with one tackle and one interception, it was no surprise that Igor lauded the impact of Kenan Yildiz in his post-match interview.

“Only he can decide how far he can go,” the Juve boss told DAZN. “Players like him are rare. Playing up front and making a difference while running like a typical midfielder is a rare quality.

“He’s got a strong mentality. We’ve all seen what he’s capable of. He’s a golden boy.”

“I feel really good and I’m happy with what I’ve contributed,” added Yildiz, who also scored in the opening game against Al Ain.” I’m having a good tournament and enjoying it – let’s hope it continues!”

His team will be hoping exactly that as they prepare for their next outing, the Bianconeri taking on Manchester City in Orlando. Juventus will enter that game knowing they have already qualified for the next round, and that they possess a player in Kenan Yildiz who can deliver moments of magic just when they’re needed.