Fetfatzidis answers critics after good form at Aris
The return of Giannis Fetfatzidis - the versatile winger and attacking midfielder has returned to Greece and resurrected his career in Thessaloniki with Aris.
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Fetfatzidis signed with Aris in February 2019 until the end of last season, but perhaps one of his best decisions was agreeing to a fresh two-year deal in the summer. His career was at a crossroads at Olympiacos, and he went to the Middle East way too early, even though he enjoyed a productive spell.
This was a precocious talent and one of Greece’s biggest hopes at the start of this decade, along with Sotiris Ninis. However, unlike Ninis, the man known as “Fetfa” appears to have turned a corner and found a home at Aris.
On his day, there is no better and more exciting attacking threat in the Greek Super League. There are some flaws to his game, for instance, he could look to increase his goal-scoring output (but that is not his primary role) or look to release the ball earlier, but the positives far outweigh the negatives.
He has emerged as a leader at Aris. At the age of 29, he is no longer “the next big talent,” rather he is experienced and leads by example. He appears to have the strong mentality needed to fight at a big club such as Aris.
The small, but elusive 168cm winger has been pivotal to Aris so far this season. He was on fire in September when Aris hammered a hapless Panathinaikos outfit 4-0. Fetfatzidis played his best game for the club by scoring once and notching two assists.
Earlier this month, he was instrumental in the team’s 2-2 draw at Atromitos en route to picking up the ‘man of the match’ award. He scored in the 92nd minute to seal the point for his club. In this match, he showcased his trickery and creativity on the ball, which makes him one of the most coveted players in the Championship.
Furthermore, he returned to the fold at the international level for Greece this year under John van ’t Schip. He went to Euro 2012 and the World Cup in 2014 at a young age and is one of the very few players still in the mix for selection that has done this. Therefore, his experience will also be key to a new-look Ethniki side.
At various times throughout his career, he has been hampered by poor choices, and this was also evident on the international front. The Dutchman dropped Fetfatzidis for the Euro 2020 qualifying match against Italy due to turning up late to a team meeting. However, the player responded emphatically by being recalled for the next game against Bosnia. In this match, Greece threw the kitchen sink at the Bosnians in search of the winning goal, but it was the introduction of Fetfatzidis that sealed the 2-1 win. His dazzling run, and then cross was turned in for an own goal to spark wild celebrations. It was Redemption at its best, again highlighting that his career has been resurrected, and he has turned a corner mentally.
