New talents ready to represent Greece

AGONAsport takes a closer look at Sebastian Vasiliadis, Orestis Kiomourtzoglou and Vasilis Pavlidis, who are all expected to form a part of the Greek national team’s future.

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October’s matches have suddenly created a wave of positivity around the national team. In the home game against Bosnia and Herzegovina, a youthful Greek side played some wonderful football under the leadership of John van ‘t Schip, deservedly earning a 2-1 victory in Athens which has got the fans believing again. Van ‘t Schip has stated that he wants Greece to have enough belief to play attacking football.

With several young players being introduced to the team, let’s take a look at three gifted footballers playing abroad who are expected to become involved with the Ethniki Omada over the course of the next few years:

Sebastian Vasiliadis (Paderborn)

The talented, attack-minded midfielder is fully expected to be a member of the national team squad for the upcoming games against Armenia and Finland in UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying. According to reports, Vasiliadis received his Greek passport this week, meaning he is now eligible to represent the Ethniki Omada. Vasiliadis was born and raised in Germany by Greek parents.

Vasiliadis has impressed Van ‘t Schip with his promising performances in the Bundesliga. Although Paderborn are currently rock bottom of the standings, Vasiliadis has been one of their best players, always looking to create with intelligent, creative passes forward. The 22-year-old is certainly capable of providing a productive link between defence and attack on the international stage.

So far, Vasiliadis has played in 10 Bundesliga games this season, contributing with one assist. He was a key member of Paderborn’s promotion charge in the previous campaign as he registered six goals and an impressive 10 assists. 

Transfermarkt rates his value at 3.5 million euros.

The move by Van ‘t Schip to secure his services for Greece has been widely praised. These two matches against Armenia and the Finns represent a great chance for Vasiliadis to show Greek fans just what he is all about.

Orestis Kiomourtzoglou (Heracles)

Kiomourtzoglou, 21, is a complete unknown quantity to the majority of Greek supporters. Just like Vasiliadis, he was also born in Germany, and it must be noted that he made his debut for the under 21 German national team in October. Kiomourtzoglou is currently playing for Heracles in the Eredivisie.

While Vasiliadis likes to create, Kiomourtzoglou is much more of a defensive midfielder, shielding the back line to good effect. Kiomourtzoglou would be a perfect partner for Vasiliadis in midfield with one trying to provide an attacking threat, while the other protects the defence. Reports in the media have suggested that Van ‘t Schip wants to cap Kiomourtzoglou for the senior Greek national team sooner rather than later.

Kiomourtzoglou has scored one goal in 11 Eredivisie appearances in the 2019/2020 season. AEK are supposedly tracking his progress as they prepare a transfer bid.

Vasilis Pavlidis (Schalke 04)

Yes, if you were wondering, he is indeed the younger brother of Willem II striker Vangelis Pavlidis who has already established himself with the senior national team.

Vasilis Pavlidis, a defender rather than a forward, is only 17. At the moment, he is still playing with the under 17 Schalke team, but Greek scouts are keeping an eye on him as he approaches the important transition from youth to senior football. Pavlidis is most comfortable playing in the centre of defence.

Pavlidis has already competed in seven games for Greece U17. Transfermarkt states that Pavlidis is under contract at Schalke 04 until the summer of 2020.

by Shaun Nicolaides

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