Olympiacos prospects aiming to impress at summer training camp
AGONAsport analyses five teenage talents who are aiming to make an impression with the Olympiacos first team in the summer training camps.
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This summer, the focus is naturally on Olympiacos’ charge towards the UEFA Champions League group stage, but it’s worth remembering that several talented youngsters will have the chance to impress the coaching staff at the upcoming training camps.
As the training process begins to intensify, let’s analyse five Olympiacos teenagers (four of whom played in the Greek Cup last season in a match against Aris Avatou) who have the opportunity to potentially make a case for being promoted to the first team:
Giorgos Xenitidis (04/09/1999), defensive midfielder
In 2013, Xenitidis moved down from Xanthi to Piraeus, penning a deal with Olympiacos to progress through their youth ranks. Now aged 19, the talented defensive midfielder enjoyed an excellent 2018/2019 campaign in the U19 Super League, contributing with four goals and impressing with his ball control and ability to hit the target with regularity. Given the high competition in the Olympiacos first team, it’s maybe too early for Xenitidis to realistically challenge for a place in the senior side, but the summer presents an opportunity to show the coaches his talent.
Giorgos Marinos (08/05/2000), attacking midfielder
Marinos was one of the best Olympiacos performers in the 2018/2019 U19 Super League. In 29 appearances, the 19-year-old popped up with a large 13 goals, possessing the ability to either play on the left wing or as a second striker behind the main forward. Boasting great pace, Marinos is a tough player to handle for the opponents, able to keep the ball at his feet when surrounded by defenders. The summer friendly matches are an ideal chance for Marinos to begin to adapt to the physicality of the senior game.
Alexandros Voilis (26/05/2000), striker
Although he only scored nine goals in this season’s U19 Super League 2, Voilis is highly regarded among coaches in the Olympiacos academy. Standing 187 centimeters tall, the 19-year-old is a brilliant header of the ball, outwitting the opposing defence with his clever, fast movement and strong physical presence. Voilis needs to improve his finishing in front of goal in order to progress to the next level.
Apostolos Ilias Martinis (08/01/2001), left-back
A left-back by trade, Martinis can also play further forward on the pitch, supporting the attacking line with his quick runs which often catch the opponents napping. Gifted with wonderful technical skill, the 18-year-old is a constant threat, and he can both pass and shoot the ball equally well. During the 2018/2019 campaign, Martinis played in 25 U19 Super League matches, grabbing the one goal.
Nikitas Nikolis (16/06/2002), left-back
Just like Martinis, 17-year-old Nikolis also plays in the left-back position, but he was hindered by injury in the 2018/2019 season and only played in two U19 Super League games. According to reports in Greece, Nikolis is among the highest-rated players in the Olympiacos academy, always competing with pace, passion and in a direct manner. Nikolis trains with the senior Olympiacos team on a regular basis and carries high hopes for the future.
