Greek Australian players turning heads in the A-League
Source: NEOS KOSMOS
As the A-League season approaches its half-way point, the league has started to shake out the genuine contenders and the probable pretenders. Auckland and Sydney are pulling away from the pack, which the Wanderers and Mariners struggling to turn around their seasons.
Players of Hellenic Heritage have played a big role in the competition so far scoring plenty of goals and attracting international attention, however with the midseason transfer window now approaching its zenith only one thing is certain – many more twists and turns are in store for the Greek-Australian community to keep an eye on.
Young Greek-Australians turning heads
Two young Greek-Australian centre backs have been the talk of the competition so far this season. Panagiotis Kikianis, 20, has been the first name on the Adelaide team sheet this season and has played a critical role in defence for his team. As a result, his recent exclusion from the Australian U23 Asian Cup Team created notable controversy, with many expecting him to be named in the team. However Kikianis was undeterred by his omission at international level and continued his good club form. It is now rumoured that Kikianis may be on his way to the Netherlands with a potential transfer to Dutch club Heracles Almelo slated to be worth millions of dollars.
Anthony Pantazopoulos, 22, is another centre back attracting international attention. The former Brunswick City junior player had already turned down offers from the MLS and English Championship in favour of playing for the Western Sydney Wanderers this season, however with the club now routed near the bottom of the table, a January transfer elsewhere may be tempting. Regardless the inform Pantazopoulos has been in great form this season and the Wanderers must retain him in their squad if they are to resurrect their season.
Other young Greek-Australians who have also impressed this season include Harry Politidis, 23, of Macarthur and Kosta Grozos, 25, of Newcastle. Politidis joined Macarthur this season and has already made a notable impact, with 10 appearances and two assists. Grozos on the other hand was already an established starter for Newcastle Jets last season and has maintained his good standing in the team, once again being selected as captain of the club for this season.
Hoping to increase their game time in the second half of the season will be youth-scholarship players Sotiti Phillis, 19, and Peter Antoniou, 18. Phillis is a defender for Adelaide who has made just the one appearance this season, however he will be expected to play more games should his teammate Kikianis leave the club in January. Meanwhile Antoniou of Melbourne City has already made five appearances this year and even scored a goal. He will be hoping for more playing opportunities once once Melbourne City recommence their Asian Champions League campaign in February.
Veteran players leading their teams
Veteran players of Greek heritage are also making their mark in the league. Jason Davidson of Melbourne Victory has continued to provide cover for his team, as progressive outlet in left back, and even as a stand in captain when required. Meanwhile at the other end of the pitch, Kosta Barbarouses of Western Sydney is currently the club’s top goal scorer for the season. Christian Theoharous of the Central Coast Mariners has also continued to play a key role for his team, although he may look to leave the club in January following recent news about the club’s uncertain future.
One veteran Greek-Australian though who is struggling to make an impact is Chris Ikonomidis. The 30-year-old Sydneysider has struggled for game time at Macarthur this year with only a few appearances. Also under the pump is the sizable Greek contingent at the Brisbane Roar who after a promising early start to the season have fallen into poor form. Former Ethniki assistant coach Michael Valkanis has implemented a defensive yet fiery brand of football this season that has relied heavily on goal keeper Dean Bouzanis, and central defender Dimitiri Valkanis. Unless Valkanis can reverse his team’s form quickly, Brisbane Roar may slip out of the finals race.
A key determinant of Brisbane’s fate may in fact be Greek national player Georgios Vrakas. Vrakas joined the club from the Greek Super League this season however, despite significant game time, the attacking midfielder is yet to score any goals this season. If Vrakas can help Brisbane find the back of the net he may held send his team back up the table. A Greek national who already managed to end his own goal drought this season though is Melbourne Victory’s Nikos Vergos. The former Panathinaikos forward won back fans in emphatic fashion with a double against Adelaide and a hat-trick against Wellington to rocket up the goal scoring charts.
After half a season of A-League football, players of Hellenic heritage have been making the headlines and have played a big role in shaping the story of the season. As is the nature of football though, much can change quickly, and significant twist are sure to occur again as we approach the conclusion of the midseason transfer window. With another half season of A-League football to come and more than a dozen personalities to track across the league, the Greek Australian community is sure to enjoy many more magic football moments with a strong Hellenic flavour.
The original article: belongs to NEOS KOSMOS .
