Greek pair included in UEFA’s top young talents for 2020
Dimitris Emmanouilidis and Panagiotis Retsos have both been included in the UEFA list of 50 young players to watch in 2020.
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Emmanouilidis, 19, is currently playing on loan at Panionios from Panathinaikos. Initially, the gifted forward endured a tough start to the campaign in Nea Smyrni, but he has since settled at the club, notably scoring the equalising goal against Olympiacos in the Super League (1-1). Overall, Emmanouilidis has made 10 appearances for Panionios so far, contributing with five goals and one assist across all competitions.
UEFA statement:
“Loaned to Panionios, the winger scored twice in 91 minutes of football as a substitute in the autumn – including one against his parent club's arch-rivals Olympiacos.”
Panagiotis Retsos, a versatile defender, is also on the list.
In the summer of 2017, Retsos made the jump abroad, signing for Bayer Leverkusen from Olympiacos. Unfortunately, the 21-year-old has since struggled with long-term injuries in Germany, but despite constant setbacks, he has continued to show flashes of his huge potential with Leverkusen. Last week, in an interview with Sport FM, Retsos revealed that it is likely Leverkusen will send him out on loan. He is keen to continue playing abroad.
UEFA statement:
“The defender's 2018/19 campaign was ruined by injury, but the former Olympiacos man looks to be fit again; calm and composed, he is a danger from free-kicks.”
The likes of Mason Greenwood (Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Arnor Sigurdsson (CSKA Moscow), Calvin Stengs (AZ Alkmaar) and Ansu Fati (Barcelona) are also on the list.
