Chatzigiovannis Omission Raises Eyebrows
Panathinaikos young gun Tasos Chatzigiovannis has set the Greek Super League alight in 2018-19, being the name on everyone’s lips. As one of the most in-form attackers in the competition, it was widely expected that he would receive his first ever call up into the senior squad of the Greek National Team, especially with namesake Tasos Donis out injured. However, this did not happen.
Chatzigiovannis can cover several attacking positions and would have been somewhat of a wildcard in the squad considering opposing teams such as Hungary and Finland would have known little about him. Instead Michael Skibbe preferred the more experienced Giannis Fetfatzidis, who has had a mixed season to date.
In his last 5 games, the 21 year old ace has scored 2 goals, provided 4 assists and won a last minute penalty. His penalty at Larissa opened his account for the season, then he got the comeback underway in the home win over PAS Giannina. His pace and pinpoint delivery were key to the assists. This is something the Ethniki Omada could do with as the team has often been criticised in the past under Skibbe for being slow and one-dimensional.
This omission has enabled Greece U21 coach Antonis Nikopolidis to call him up for the crunch game against Croatia that takes place over the international break. One missed opportunity paves the way for another, and Chatzigiovannis will be looking to take this chance with open arms as a dominant performance will attract Skibbe’s attention. This upcoming game in Croatia is vital for the Elpidon as avoiding defeat will give the team automatic qualification to the U21 European Championship that will be held in Italy.
Furthermore, it has not all been smooth sailing for the player himself. He burst onto the scene in his first season but he was ‘hit and miss’ last season as his Panathinaikos team dealt with a myriad of off-field issues. Even earlier this season in the first international break, it came as a major shock that Nikopolidis did not include him in the squad to face the Czech Republic. Panathinaikos and Chatzigiovannis were reportedly bewildered.
In fact his last appearance with the Elpidon came last May in a match against the Ukraine. Such is the magnitude of his call up into this current squad. Skibbe is a fan of the player and will examine him more closely, especially if he carries his club form into the Elpidon.
by Nick Tsambouniaris
Image Source: to10.gr
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