SLGR Regular Season Review: Five unbeatable defenders 

In the second of a four-part series, AGONAsport reviews the 2019/2020 Super League regular season, analysing five stand-out defenders.

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Taking into account the seriousness of the coronavirus situation, the Super League playoffs and playouts won’t be starting any time soon, so we have the chance to continue reviewing what was a fascinating regular season. On Monday we looked at the five best goalkeepers, so this time around we analyse five stand-out defenders - centre-backs and full-backs included - who were in top form over the course of the 26 rounds:

Konstantinos Tsimikas (Olympiacos)

One of the most talented players in Greece, Tsimikas is enjoying a superb campaign, always providing a potent attacking threat with his speedy, meaningful runs on the left flank. In 20 regular season matches, the 23-year-old Greek international dished out five assists, while also making 42 successful crosses in the process! No wonder why Napoli are eager to sign him in the upcoming transfer window.

Appearances: 20

Goals: 0

Assists: 5

Steals made: 46

Sverrir Ingi Ingason (PAOK)

Patience is a virtue. After Ingason joined from Rostov in the winter of 2019, he was left on the bench by previous boss Razvan Lucescu, but the commanding centre-back has since flourished with Abel Ferreira at the helm. A strong, reliable defensive figure for the Dikefalos tou Vorra, the Icelandic international has been productive at both ends of the field, scoring four goals in the Super League including one in Piraeus against Olympiacos. 

Appearances: 21

Goals: 4

Assists: 1 

Steals made: 36

Ruben Semedo (Olympiacos)

Semedo, 25, has got his career back on track in Greece. Before joining Olympiacos from Villarreal, the talented Portuguese centre-back was heading on a downward spiral after scandals in Spain, but he has subsequently made a big improvement with the Erythrolefki. Difficult to outmuscle, Semedo is a consistent performer for Olympiacos, competing with power and good leadership qualities. It must also be noted that he registered four UEFA Champions League goals. 

Appearances: 21

Goals: 1

Assists: 0

Steals made: 52

Bart Schenkeveld (Panathinaikos)

The Dutchman really was a shrewd signing by the Panathinaikos management. Since transferring from Melbourne City as a free agent in August 2019, Schenkeveld has been a rock in the centre of the Panathinaikos defence, rarely making serious mistakes and boasting the ability to beat his opponents for strength. Playing with calmness and leadership, the 28-year-old has made a major difference to Giorgos Donis’ team, helping the side claim fourth place of the regular season. Schenkeveld has also contributed with three assists alongside his one goal against Atromitos.

Appearances: 19

Goals: 1

Assists: 3 

Steals made: 35

Fran Velez (Aris)

The Spanish centre-back is a true leader. In his two seasons in Thessaloniki, Velez has led by example for Aris, standing out with his commitment and passion. While he is a centre-back by trade, the 28-year-old is a real threat in attack too, tallying four goals in the 2019/2020 Super League regular season by scoring in games against Panathinaikos, AE Larissa, PAOK and Asteras Tripolis. Teammate Lindsay Rose also deserves a mention for his performances.

Velez will move to Panathinaikos as a free agent in the summer. 

Appearances: 21

Goals: 4

Assists: 1

Steals made: 36

Image Source: fosonline.gr

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