Assessing PAOK’s Squad: Is It Truly Inferior?
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Sports analyst Dimitris Tsorbatzoglou offers a detailed comparison of PAOK’s current squad against its main competitors, aiming to provide an objective outlook as the championship race intensifies.
Championship Focus: Beyond European Aspirations
While European competitions often capture headlines, the Greek Super League remains the primary battleground. The title race is expected to be fiercely contested among the top four clubs, with the eventual champion being the team that consistently performs best throughout the season.
Success in this marathon requires excellence in various facets:
- Securing victories in matches perceived as less challenging
- Dominating high-stakes derbies that carry extra significance
- Effectively managing congested schedules, such as Thursday-Sunday or Wednesday-Saturday fixtures
- Overcoming seasonal adversities including injuries, suspensions, and unforeseen setbacks
Ultimately, a deep and high-caliber squad is indispensable for clinching the title. This analysis centers on PAOK’s roster composition at the season’s outset, juxtaposed with their three main rivals. While Aris could be considered, their internal challenges currently hinder their championship ambitions.
Goalkeeping: A Solid Foundation
PAOK’s last line of defense is anchored by Pavlenka, whose reliability offers the team considerable confidence. Olympiacos boasts the impressive Tzolakis, who has been performing at an exceptional level this season. AEK relies on Strakosha, a goalkeeper with proven quality, while Panathinaikos fields two competent goalkeepers. Overall, PAOK’s goalkeeping department stands on firm ground.
Defensive Line: Stability and Depth
In central defense, PAOK counts on the experienced Kędziora and Michailidis, both instrumental in their previous title win. The addition of Lovren and Voliakos adds depth, though their impact remains to be seen. Fullback positions have been reinforced with signings like Baba, Taylor, Kenny, and Sastre.
Olympiacos’ defensive unit, featuring Bianco, Pirola, Retsos, and Kalogeropoulos, arguably presents a stronger lineup, especially centrally. Panathinaikos introduces a promising duo in Toumba and Palmer Brown, though their consistency is yet to be proven. AEK’s defense includes Mukundi, Relvas, and Vida, but questions linger about the quality of their fullbacks.
In conclusion, no team overwhelmingly outclasses the others defensively. The collective tactical approach and team cohesion will ultimately dictate defensive success.
Midfield Core: The Engine Room
PAOK’s midfield pivots around Meité, widely regarded internally as the league’s top midfielder, supported by Kamara and Ozdoev. The young talent Bianco, acquired from Fiorentina, and the anticipated emergence of Zafeiris in the winter transfer window, add promise.
Olympiacos fields a solid midfield with Dani Garcia, Ese, Mouzakitis, and newcomers Sipioni and Nascimento, though not markedly superior. Panathinaikos depends on Cherin, Tsirivegia, Siopis, and the enigmatic Renato Sanchez. AEK’s midfield is crowded with players like Pineda, Ljubisic, Marin, Grujic, Pereira, and the ever-present Mantalos, offering quantity but variable quality.
Attacking Midfield and Wingers: Creativity and Versatility
PAOK boasts strong options in attacking midfield and wide positions, with Konstantelias and Ivanusec, Tyson and Pelkas, Zivkovic and Despodov, complemented by promising youngsters Hatzidis and Balde.
Olympiacos relies on the dynamic Zelson, Podence, Tiquinho, Strefetsa, Yazici, Pneumonidis, and Kambela, though some key players were omitted from their European squad, raising questions about squad depth.
Panathinaikos fields Jurisic, Bakasetas, Zarouri, Tamborda, alongside talents like Tete and Pelistri. AEK’s attacking options include Koutesa, Koita, Gacinovic, and Eliason, with some defensive midfielders also contributing offensively.
Overall, all contenders possess significant quality in these roles, with PAOK’s reliance on these positions being notably high but competitive.
Strikers: The Decisive Factor
PAOK’s frontline features the trio of Chalov, Giakoumakis, and Mythou, offering a blend of experience and goal-scoring ability.
Olympiacos counters with El Kaabi, Yaremchuk, and Taremi, a formidable attacking trio known for their prolific scoring.
Panathinaikos fields Sfiderski, Dessers, Pandovis, and retains Geremiev as an additional option. AEK’s attack includes Jovic, Piero, Zini, and the experienced Martial.
It is evident that PAOK’s striking options, while solid, face stiff competition from their rivals, particularly Olympiacos.
Coaching Influence: The Ultimate X-Factor
While player quality is crucial, the coach’s role in shaping team identity, tactics, and morale is paramount. PAOK benefits from a highly capable coaching staff, which could be decisive in navigating the season’s challenges.
Notably, betting markets currently rank PAOK as the second favorite to win the championship, reflecting a widespread recognition of their potential. This season, PAOK’s ambition transcends mere participation-they are determined to secure the title.
Dimitris Tsorbatzoglou’s passion for sports began in childhood, with a lifelong dedication to football and basketball. His early years included playing basketball for the historic VAO club and following a wide array of sports such as volleyball, handball, athletics, diving, equestrian, shooting, field and ice hockey, wrestling, weightlifting, ping pong, and tennis.
His first football match attendance was in 1983 at a PAOK vs. Apollon Athens game. From elementary school, he meticulously recorded statistics, schedules, and analyses, laying the groundwork for his journalistic career.
Since 1994, Dimitris has been involved in sports journalism, initially covering basketball’s lower divisions before expanding to various media outlets in Thessaloniki and beyond. For the past 15 years, his focus has been predominantly on PAOK football coverage.