Talented Bouzoukis experiences second season syndrome

Talented Bouzoukis experiences second season syndrome at Panathinaikos after registering just one goal and one assist this campaign.

Watch LIVE GREEK TV including full GREEK SPORTS coverage with Go Greek TV! 

Last season, Panathinaikos’ talented midfielder Giannis Bouzoukis dazzled the Greek Super League with his skills, goal-scoring abilities, and strong all-round style of play. He was given a proper chance with a sustained run in the first team by Giorgos Donis due to the transfer restrictions imposed on the Greens, and Bouzoukis never looked back.

Right from the beginning, he scored a match-winning goal from distance in the first round against Xanthi, and his celebration on the sideline with Donis lives fondly in the memory. He scored a total of four goals and notched one assist last season, but his effort endeared him to Donis and the fans.

At one stage, he was even being monitored by Portuguese giants Benfica, as they looked to continue their history in signing quality Greek players. However, last summer, he was finally convinced to pen a new deal with Panathinaikos, and as a result, he committed his future until the summer of 2022.

No longer a rookie, many expected big things from Bouzoukis this season, but he has flattered to deceive. Have opponents worked him out? Did he become complacent after signing the new contract? Was he stifled by being often rotated and played out of position by Donis?

He ended the regular season of the Greek Super League with only one goal and one assist and was often found wanting in the crucial moments. He was often deployed in wide areas at the start of the season as the Trifylli had a dearth of options in terms of wingers. This did not help his game. Instead, this form slump carried over into the new year, and he struggled as the season wore on. His performance in the Greek Cup quarter-final against PAOK is a case in point.

Furthermore, Donis has preferred Norwegian international Ghayas Zahid over Bouzoukis in the hole behind the striker. Zahid, on loan from APOEL, started slowly but went on to become the main man. Without his influence in the final third, the Greens often looked devoid of ideas. However, his future remains up in the air, and it seems increasingly difficult for Panathinaikos to keep him.

This could lay the path for Bouzoukis to become the first-choice option once again. However, he will face competition from Yassin Ayoub, who was signed in January. Bouzoukis may have the edge as Ayoub has endured rotten luck with injuries, but it is still too early to predict what will happen.

Bouzoukis’ attitude has never been in question, and it appears that he is well-liked by his teammates. On top of this, Donis clearly sees him as a vital player for the future as he wanted him to sign that new contract. Progressing from the academy ranks and being at the club for so long as an up-and-coming prospect, Bouzoukis knows the weight of the shirt. He can be a key ingredient in potential future success for Panathinaikos.

He is the type of character, along with several others, that Panathinaikos can build a team around, and he possesses leadership qualities. Next season will be significant for Bouzoukis as he looks to get his career back on the right track. Another struggling season could put him at risk of becoming another failed talent akin to Sotiris Ninis (even though their playing styles are totally different). Hard work at training and going back to basics will be vital to his revival.

Image Source: to10.gr

Thank you for visiting AGONAsport.com, the only English based website for Greek sports fans across the world! Like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, and Twitter for all the latest news in Greek Sports!