Dependable Guilherme shining at Olympiacos
The steady and dependable play of Brazilian midfielder Guilherme has been one of the secrets to Olympiacos’ success this season.
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Several players lent a big hand in guiding Olympiacos to an undefeated regular season in league play as well as an impressive run in European football this season. One of the team’s standout performers has undoubtedly been Brazilian midfielder Guilherme.
The 28-year-old is an individual whose stature has grown at the club to the point now that it would be unheard of for the former Deportivo La Coruna player not to be one of the first names on the team sheet.
Erythrolefki boss Pedro Martins signed Guilherme and has overseen his rise over the last two seasons. Not necessarily a big scorer or even a provider of many assists, the jury was out for a while on the player’s worth for Olympiacos. Guilherme is not your stereotypical flashy, skillful Brazilian; he instead is more steady and dependable on the pitch. Guilherme’s ability on the ball and his field vision allow him to help start attacks from further back and also help set the tempo for the Piraeus side. The player who got his start in the professional ranks with Portuguesa in 2009 then moved on to Corinthians in his native country before coming over to Europe for Udinese in 2014.
Since arriving at Olympiacos in 2018 following two strong, full seasons at Deportivo in Spain, Guilherme has featured in 69 matches, chipping in with ten goals and four assists. Some of his goals and assists have come in high-profile matches, especially in European competition where in the last two seasons, he has scored against the likes of Bayern Munich and AC Milan while laying off for teammates to score versus Wolves and Tottenham. His European performances are proving that he is a player for the big occasion.
Olympiacos are reportedly ready to offer a contract extension at season’s end despite Guilherme still having another year left in his current deal. The player seems happy in Greece and recently spoke about the epic second leg tie against Arsenal in the Round of 32 in the Europa League. “At Olympiacos, I am living the biggest moments of my career,” Guilherme told Brazilian media. “I am so happy for yet another achievement that we managed [advancing past Arsenal]. It was unforgettable. It was the biggest moment of my career, and I am enjoying it to the fullest. I thank my teammates, who have helped me so much. On the pitch, I try to help with scoring, but I look first to trying to help create.”
Playing the best football of his career, at 28, Guilherme could be at his peak, and Olympiacos hope to tie him down to a new deal that will keep him at the Karaiskakis Stadium for years to come.
