PAOK planning for a youthful rebuild this summer

With PAOK taking a youthful approach moving forward, AGONAsport looks at some of the club’s brightest prospects.

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Both Abel Ferreira and club officials have engaged in regular discussions during recent weeks, outlining their plans for the senior team next season. Financial Fair Play (FFP) restrictions mean that PAOK will have to rely on their own talent from the academy instead of splashing the cash on foreigners.

Before the coronavirus pandemic halted the season, the under 19 PAOK team managed to clinch its third consecutive Super League U19 title, storming to the championship in impressive fashion. Incredibly, Pablo Garcia’s troops haven’t conceded a single league defeat since December 2017, with the unbeaten streak standing at 69 matches.

Boasting one of the strongest Greek academies, PAOK certainly aren’t short on talent, and they will begin introducing their U19 stars into the first team when the 2020/2021 season begins. At the start of the 2018/2019 campaign, the Dikefalos tou Vorra loaned out a number of youngsters to Volos NFC in order to gain more senior experience, but some of them can expect to be recalled by the coaches for next season. Other prospects spent the season in the Super League 2.

The average age of PAOK’s squad is currently just over 26 years of age, however, there are currently ten players over the age of 30 years old. The club will now look to conduct a rebuild of the squad by giving a large youth prospects the opportunity to be involved within the senior team on a more regular basis.

Giannis Michailidis, Charis Tsiggaras and Christos Tzolis have already been involved with the senior PAOK side this season. Both Michailidis and Tsiggaras were added to the senior squad in January, whilst young gun Tzolis has been involved in training with the senior squad this season.

AGONAsport identifies the nine prospects who could feature for the reigning Greek champions next season:

Giannis Michailidis 

Born in Giannitsa, the central defender was signed by PAOK in 2016. The 20-year old has been a key component of Pablo Garcia’s team, starting 22 matches in the 2019/2020 Super League 2. Moreover, Michailidis made his senior debut this season in the second leg of the Greek Cup quarter-final tie against OFI, appearing as a substitute for the concluding 17 minutes. He is a strong and imposing defender, comfortable with the ball at his feet and possessing quality distribution. The left-footed defender is also a member of the Greece U21 team.

Charis Tsiggaras

The defensive midfielder is an important factor of PAOK’s success at U19s level. The 19-year-old has a strong work ethic, influencing matches for the Dikefalos tou Vorra in both attacking and defensive situations. Tsiggaras joined the senior team last summer for their pre-season preparations in the Netherlands and also featured in a friendly against PEC Zwolle.

Antonis Gaitanidis

The 20-year old is able to play across all three positions as a forward. He was also included in PAOK’s pre-season preparations in Holland with the senior team, where he impressed in several friendlies scoring some impressive goals. The attacker is dangerous due to his ability to play other attackers in behind, whilst also being a direct player who is a fantastic dribbler. In January, PAOK sent Gaitanidis out on loan to Super League 2 club Apollon Smyrnis. He has also been included in the national team, featuring for Greece at U16, U17, U19 and U21 level.

Konstantinos Balogiannis

The central midfielder was sent out on loan this season to Volos, making a total of 20 appearances, including 16 matches in the Super League. The 21-year-old is ready to return to Toumba Stadium at the end of the season, where he is expected to receive game time in PAOK’s first team, with the squad currently lacking depth in that area of the pitch. Balogiannis over the past year has regularly been called up by Giannis Goumas for the under 21 national team. 

Lefteris Lyratzis

The promising right-back has enjoyed a terrific season on loan at Volos. The 20-year-old participated in 21 matches across all competitions, including 18 league games. He scored his first Super League goal in January in a 2-1 victory over OFI.

Lyratzis has the ability to play in midfield as well, and is comfortable when in possession. He is highly regarded at PAOK for his great character and leadership.

Apostolos Diamantis

The central defender was signed by PAOK in 2016 from Panserraikos and has impressed ever since making the move to Thessaloniki. The 19-year-old was loaned out to Volos last summer, making a total of 13 appearances for the club, including 10 games in the Super League. He can play in any position across the back line, as well as being able to compete as a defensive midfielder.

Zisis Chatzistravos

Chatzistravos was loaned to Super League 2 outfit, AE Karaiskakis, this season, where he attracted attention with his strong showings. The 20-year-old only stands 168 centimeters tall but, despite his lack of height, he possesses excellent technique and an intelligent footballing brain. The attacking midfielder was Karaiskakis’ most productive player this season, scoring nine goals and providing three assists.

Christos Tzolis

The most exciting youngster in PAOK’s youth ranks is forward Christos Tzolis, one of the true rising stars of Greek football. The 18-year old has the ability to play on both wings. Tzolis scored a remarkable 19 goals from 22 starts, as well as dishing out eight assists for the U19 PAOK team this season.

Georgios Doumtsis

Doumtsis arrived at PAOK’s academy in 2013. He has been a championship winner with PAOK at U15, U17 and U19 level. Doumtsis is a striker who has a strong presence and can score goals using both feet, while also providing an aerial threat. He’s experienced a superb 2019/2020 campaign, tallying 11 goals and two assists in 18 appearances.

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