The Super League’s best centre-backs

AGONAsport’s Nick Tsambouniaris runs the rule over the best centre-backs in the Greek Super League.

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

Boasting a strong, well-organised defence, marshalled by a quality centre-back is essential for all teams. They offer the last line of defence on the pitch before the goalkeeper, making last-ditch tackles. However, the role of a centre-back has evolved as the years have passed. Centre-backs are still required to be highly physical, strong in the air, and in one-on-one duels, but also must be dynamic and comfortable to play with the ball at their feet as many teams look to build attacks from deep positions.

So, who is the best centre-back in the Greek Super League right now? As evidenced below, there are numerous options (NOTE: in no particular order).

Fernando Varela - PAOK

The experienced Cape Verde international is in his fourth season at PAOK and has been a huge hit in Thessaloniki. The 32-year-old plied his trade around Europe before arriving at PAOK, and his experience formed an integral part of a PAOK backline that was hard to break down in last year’s “invincibles” season. Injury has hampered his form this season, but he still has 25 steals and 23 interceptions to his name in 14 appearances.

Fran Velez - Aris

The Spaniard is at the peak of his career and has impressed again at Aris in his second season at the club. The 28-year-old spent the bulk of his career in Spain with Almeria and joined Aris after a failed stint at Wisla Krakow. In 18 appearances to date, he has made 35 interceptions, 31 steals, and only conceded 23 fouls. He has also chipped in with three goals, a respectable figure for a centre back, something that all top teams require.

Ognjen Vranjes - AEK

The 30-year-old Bosnian is well-known to Greek football fans. He played a pivotal role in AEK clinching the 2017-18 title, thanks to his tough tackling. A footballer with his characteristics is good enough to be playing in Europe’s top-five leagues, but what lets him down is his attitude at times. When focused and determined, there are not many better in Greece. He has made 26 interceptions in 14 appearances, but on the flip side, he has received one red card and six yellow cards.

Dimitris Goutas - Atromitos

Dimitris Goutas is a slightly different proposition compared to others on this list, as he is Greek. His path to the top has been a tad different, and he does not play for one of the big clubs. He excelled at Xanthi, but constant loan spells away from Olympiacos hampered his progress. However, he has found a home at Atromitos and has entrenched himself among the best centre-backs in the league. A giant at 189cm tall centre-backs will never be out of fashion, and he is strong in the air - not having lost an aerial duel. He has 34 steals in his 21 appearances to date.

Vangelis Moras - Larissa

Vangelis Moras is the veteran of the list! The former Greek international turns 39 later this year but remains a key player for his hometown club, Larissa. The former AEK, Hellas Verona, Bologna, and Bari centre-back was immense last season as Larissa avoided relegation. His strong form resembling a 25-year-old has continued this season - he has made 65 steals in 22 appearances and only picked up four cards along the way. At 193 cm tall, his aerial prowess and experience are invaluable. The only downside to his game this season is the fact that he has made 50 mistakes.

Ruben Semedo - Olympiacos

The Portuguese giant has been colossal for Olympiacos this season. His strong performances were key to the Reds clinching a spot in the UEFA Champions League group stage. Being fast and strong, he has the whole package. The former Villarreal man has been a controversial figure in the past due to off-field incidents, but when he is fit and focused, he could be the best in the league. In 18 appearances, he has made 42 steals and 31 interceptions but has committed 34 fouls and received eight yellow cards. At 26, his best years are just ahead of him.

Bart Schenkeveld - Panathinaikos

The Dutchman has been a revelation at Panathinaikos in his first season at the club. Signed late in the transfer window, he needed time to settle in, but he has elevated the Greens to a new level, especially in recent weeks. The defence has tightened up, and his ability to play with the ball at his feet is vital for a Panathinaikos side that likes to build attacks from the back. In his 17 appearances to date, he has made 29 steals and 23 interceptions. He can also score goals from set-piece situations due to his aerial prowess. He has been charged with eight yellow cards but has found a good partner in Achilleas Poungouras. The pair have been pivotal to a Panathinaikos side who kept five clean sheets in a row this season.

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!