Key Changes Made by John van ‘t Schip
AGONAsport’s Nick Tsambouniaris analyzes five key changes made by John van’t Schip that has seen the new-look national team win three games in a row for the first time since 2016.
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While long suffering Greece fans contemplate missing yet another major tournament, there have been several positives to take away from the last four games of a strange qualifying campaign. An identity has been forged and the hard calls in terms of squad selections were made.
Here are five key changes made by John van’t Schip (JVS).
Shoot, Shoot, Shoot
Twenty-five shots against Bosnia, 20 shots against Armenia, and 27 shots against Finland - when was the last time we saw the Greek national team attack with that much purpose and intent? While only five goals were scored out of a total of 72 shots, most successful teams in the modern game build their style of play on keeping possession and building attacks from deeper positions. The Ethniki were infamously renowned for being one-dimensional, but JVS has changed the ‘DNA’ of the team. Attacks now begin from the centre-backs, who are comfortable with the ball at their feet, the midfield is quicker and sharper, and the transition is lighting quick.
Choosing Players to Fit the Style of Play
Playing in such a manner requires a certain skill set and JVS comes from the Netherlands, a country with a famed football pedigree. It is no coincidence that he has opted for players who can fit in with what he wants to achieve. The goalkeeper starts the attack by playing it to the centre-backs, who then move it forward to the midfield who has the capacity to play clever, forward-thinking passes, not one that is slow and looks for a back pass.
Never-Say-Die Attitude Instilled
Attitude has perhaps been the biggest issue for the national team ever since the 2014 FIFA World Cup. A poor attitude has hurt the team, but JVS has instilled a new breath of fresh air to the locker rooms by choosing younger players and giving everyone a chance to solidify their place in the national team. The win against Finland was crucial in the sense that it was the first time the Ethniki have come from behind to win a game under JVS. This proves the team possesses the right attitude. Confidence levels could have fallen after conceding such a poor goal against Finland, but credit to the players for persisting and sticking to the game plan. This is the attitude that must be fostered moving forward and this will only develop by holding players accountable, but also giving them the freedom to express themselves on the pitch by creating chances.
The Dutch Connection
As previously mentioned, JVS selects players that suit his playing style and it is no coincidence he has turned to his native Holland. Vangelis Pavlidis and Pantelis Chatzidiakos ply their trade in the Eredivisie and would already be familiar with what JVS wants to achieve. Naturally, they can adapt to the playing style easier and the duo both play in key positions. Previous coaches have called players up without a plan and many illogical choices have baffled fans. Conversely, JVS has a plan.
Togetherness Developed Along with the Want to Play for the Greek Flag
JVS has demonstrated that he is not afraid to make wholesale changes. This has led to lowering the average age of the squad, and the youngsters are not afraid to make mistakes and try again. This is evident by the amount of shots the team has had in recent matches and chances created. From the outside looking in, it appears the youngsters are all in this together and will continue to push each other on. These youngsters want to play for Greece, it is not a chore and they have a point to prove.
