Suggested Call Ups/Starting 11

[Reaper]

Retsos played right-back and then left-back over the two legs against Croatia. He looked formidable in defense, but somewhat limited when getting forward. I think both he and Hatzidiakos are competing for a spot in a back three, if not a right-back spot in a back four, but Bakakis does have more quality in the attacking third than they do (albeit nothing spectacular enough to convince me of his place in the eleven). I think Limnios offers the best attacking width on the right of any player in Greece's disposal, enough to justify him playing as an inverted winger (like Robben did for the Dutch when they played a back three). So long as Van't Schip moves in that sort of direction, which means Sokratis and Manolas would start as well, I'll be a very happy. I think leaving any of Sokratis, Manolas, and/or Retsos/Hatzidiakos on the bench, while allowing Bakakis to start is a mistake.

We might qualify for the World Cup in 2022, which remains a difficult prospect, or at least play some decent football in the process and develop a side capable of competing for Euro 2024, which is more realistic.

You would seriously consider Bakakis over Retsos as RB if you were coach? Bakakis can't even pass properly.

[Don Giovanni]

I wouldn't, but I think Van't Schip might let him continue if he believes he may improve. I think we're better off playing Limnios as an inverted winger, like Robben had done for the Netherlands at the 2014 World Cup.

[Amorgos]

We give Bakakis a lot of shit but in attack and whilst not polished, he’s better than Retsos, I haven’t seen a lot of Retsos lately but I recall whilst defensively very good, he’s not a natural attacking right back by any stretch of the imagination

[ThrylosG7]

Amorgos Retsos has struggled since his injury - Thankfully he is only 22 . Retsos has a higher ceiling than Bakakis imho

[Dean97]

There’s more downside than upside with Bakakis in my opinion. Although he is ok going forward it shouldn’t warrant him a starting spot or even selection. He is only there because we have no one else. As Reaper said Bakakis can’t pass properly. That should say a whole lot about him.

Regarding Retsos, I think people are underestimating about what he can do in attack. He isn’t clearly a wingback but a solid fullback. He’s had a few assists playing at RB for Leverkusen. He even assisted a beautiful cross with his left foot!

I agree with Don, I think it’s pointless to have Bakakis on the field especially if you have the likes of Retsos and Hatzidiakos available.

[Amorgos]

When you guys say he can’t actually pass what do you mean? It’s very broad as he can obviously pass the ball.

He struggles physically against strong opposition, doesn’t have outstanding technique and is no goal scorer, so yes, we def need to look for something better, but watching him every week his not an amateur that can’t pass.

Retsos is a great talent but would want to see him go forward like Bakakis does which does help teams

[Dean97]

I agree I think we over do it by saying he can’t pass. What we should say is that passing isn’t one of his strengths. He usually if not always misplaces for no reason. He is great going forward but hasn’t got enough quality as a player and seems like the least skilled player on the field. He makes many mistakes and isn’t a strong defender.

The right term to describe players like him who are error prone is limited.

[Don Giovanni]

I think Limnios is the answer to our problems on the right. He's been a revelation this season and PAOK have done well to ensure his progress. In terms of getting forward, getting crosses in, running at players, creating width, tracking back... he's the complete package, albeit a work in progress. He can't play as a right-back, although he's tactically astute enough to play there in a nominal sense and if the circumstance demands it, but if we play three CBs and let him operate wide right effectively as a wide midfielder and/or wide attacker (depending on the quality of the opponents) we might be able to make it work.

Watching Bakakis is like watching Maniatis play at right-back. Lots of energy, desire and willingness, but not enough quality. Beyond that he is fast, but he's not reliable on the ball. If Van't Schip thinks Bakakis has more potential than he's currently demonstrating, that's something to consider. In my mind, Bakakis is better suited as a squad player, but not as a starter in place of more complete defenders, like Retsos or Hatzidiakos who offer a lot more defensive grit and intelligence.

In my mind, Bakakis was one of the reasons we drew Liechtenstein. The fact his teammates didn't trust him with the ball when they needed to was telling.

[Don Giovanni]

Vrousaj appears to be injured for 4-6 weeks and that would certainly keep him out of the next qualifiers. SportDay says Vasiliaidis will get called up.

[Amorgos]

I agree I think we over do it by saying he can’t pass. What we should say is that passing isn’t one of his strengths. He usually if not always misplaces for no reason. He is great going forward but hasn’t got enough quality as a player and seems like the least skilled player on the field. He makes many mistakes and isn’t a strong defender.

The right term to describe players like him who are error prone is limited.

Again, not true, he does not always misplace his passes for no reason. Skill is not totally there yes, he can make mistakes in awkward situations but does not make unnecessary mistakes.

Sorry fellas, if we don't watch much of a player let's not make stuff up to make them look bad. Reality is we don't have many RB's going well atm and Bakakis will be around for a while, his not world class by any stretch but he is not a complete waste that is playing for AEK & Greece

[Dean97]

I believe we do have better it’s just that they are either injured, overlooked or still young. Ability wise we have plenty that are better than Bakakis. I rate Masouras and Kitsiou more. The reason why he is playing is because he plays week in and week out for AEK and has experience. Torosidis would have been a better option if he was a couple years younger. Although we only have a handful of options RB is definitely the most concerning position.

Interestingly, I used to be a fan of Bakakis back when he was at Panaitolikos. He seemed to be a different player then. When he went to AEK he because limited all of a sudden. I do remember though he had a sever injury. Can’t remember what it was.

[Dean97]

Does anyone else think he was better back then?

https://youtu.be/2Wc4Ic5_csM

[Don Giovanni]

He had an ACL injury, but he looks to have bounced back fine.

I'd say we're thin in this position, but we have players capable of playing at RB. Retsos has done so for Leverkusen and he did so for Greece, coming on in place of Maniatis in the first leg to Croatia. Once Torosidis was available again, Retsos slotted in at left-back for the second leg. He did very well considering the circumstances and proved a better player than the ones who had started in these positions for the first leg.

Personally, I wouldn't want to see Retsos or Hatzidiakos on the bench and Bakakis on the pitch, nor Sokratis or Manolas sacrificed for a player while someone like Bakakis starts. And as far as offering width on the right to cross and drive the play into that pocket of the final third, Limnios is our best option if he's allowed to combine with one of our CAMs for the overlap.

I'd keep Bakakis in the squad, but I think we can do better without him in the eleven.

[Dean97]

He had an ACL injury, but he looks to have bounced back fine.

I'd say we're thin in this position, but we have players capable of playing at RB. Retsos has done so for Leverkusen and he did so for Greece, coming on in place of Maniatis in the first leg to Croatia. Once Torosidis was available again, Retsos slotted in at left-back for the second leg. He did very well considering the circumstances and proved a better player than the ones who had started in these positions for the first leg.

Personally, I wouldn't want to see Retsos or Hatzidiakos on the bench and Bakakis on the pitch, nor Sokratis or Manolas sacrificed for a player while someone like Bakakis starts. And as far as offering width on the right to cross and drive the play into that pocket of the final third, Limnios is our best option if he's allowed to combine with one of our CAMs for the overlap.

I'd keep Bakakis in the squad, but I think we can do better without him in the eleven.

With the way you are explaining it Don I think this would be the line up:

Vlachodimos

Hatzidiakos Manolas Retsos

Limnios Kourbelis Galanopoulos Stafylidis

Fetfatzidis
Donis. Pavlidis

I think at the moment with Mantalos and Fortounis injured this seems to be the best way to go about it. If Stafylidis starts then he should play LM. He isn’t a CB even though he did ok. LB isn’t his position either. You would have to play 3-5-2 if you want Stafylidis in the side. Also Retsos played the other day so I hope he can be an option as a LCB. Manolas can sweep as his speed can help us at the back. If Manolas covers for Hatzidiakos then Kourbelis would have to quickly drop back and play CB with Retsos tucking in and Stafylidis dropping back to mark the winger coming in. And the same applies on the other side.

Limnios would have a lot of running to do on the right. Covering the whole right hand side as RWB. I don’t know if that’s a good idea but we haven’t got a RB to play. Unless we trust Kitsiou. Or play Bakakis again. I don’t think Bakakis is a starter. He is not good enough but the best bet would be to play Retsos there.

So:
Vlachodimos

Retsos Manolas Hatzidiakos Tsimikas

Limnios Kourbelis Galanopoulos Masouras

Bouzoukis

Pavlidis

We could go with this. I do a have a feeling though Stafylidis and Bakasetas will get the start again after playing well the last 2 games. Which means Bouzoukis and Tsimikas won’t play. We might see Vasiliadis and Kiomourtzoglou play as well. This would be a good opportunity to play them and cement them in the team, which would mean we would have to force out the declining Samaris.

I do believe Kourbelis, Limnios, Hatzidiakos, Pavlidis and Galanopoulos should start again. We should definitely give chances to Retsos and Bouzoukis. Bakasetas and Stafylidis seem to in the plans going forward. Fetfatzidis could be the super sub. I don’t think Manolas will get called up but will be needed down the line for his pace. Masouras and Donis will have to compete for a spot in the 11 now especially with the impact Limnios had and also Fetfatzidis off the bench.

It seems like now we have decent options for wingers as we don’t have to rely on central players playing there anymore. I hope Mantalos gets back from injury in time, if not then I would give Bouzoukis a chance.

[Reaper]

Anyone seen or heard of him?

https://m.sport24.gr/football/omades...y.5631502.html