A look at PAOK’s 2018/19 squad
PAOK completed an astonishing 2018/19 season as the club became Europe’s only side to finish their league campaign unbeaten. AGONAsport’s Athan Stylos analyses PAOK’s championship winning squad.
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Alexandros Paschalakis
Following his breakout campaign with PAOK last season, Paschalakis appeared in every league match this season, keeping a total of 16 clean sheets from 30 appearances in the Super League. He was excellent in PAOK’s progress over Spartak Moscow in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League, saving a penalty to help PAOK advance to the next round. However, Paschalakis made a critical error in the clash against Benfica in the second leg of the final qualifying round, preventing PAOK’s progress to the group stages of the Champions League. That did not set him back, however, as the shot stopper pulled off some excellent performances in the league, especially against arch rivals Olympiacos and Asteras Tripolis in both fixtures away from home.
Leo Matos
In comparison to his last two seasons in Thessaloniki, Leo Matos showed some signs of ‘slowing’ down this season. In the 2016/17 season, the Brazilian finished with six goals and two assists, while last season he added four goals and six assists. This campaign, the right-back registered three goals and two assists. Nonetheless, Matos was yet again a vital player in PAOK’s defensive set-up, with his incredible work-rate, ability to move further up the pitch, and pose a threat on the offensive end.
Fernando Varela
Varela has been arguably the best centre-back in the Super League over the past three seasons, since arriving in Thessaloniki. His partnership with Angel Crespo was among the best in Greek football this season as PAOK finished the league with the best defense, conceding just 14 goals across 30 fixtures.
Jose Crespo
Crespo impressively played all 30 league fixtures for PAOK this season, mainly at centre-back, however he was forced to play left-back at various stages throughout the season due to the unavailability of Vieirinha. Crespo’s leadership in the backline was very reassuring for all players on the pitch, especially during crucial moments throughout their championship winning run.
Dimitris Giannoulis
After being sent out on loan to Atromitos at the beginning of the season, Giannoulis was called back by PAOK to fill the void left by Vieirinha, who was unable to compete in every game throughout the season. When Giannoulis was a starter in the lineup, he did not look out of place in the left-back position and managed eight appearances for PAOK.
Adelino Vieirinha
PAOK’s inspirational captain, Vieirinha, was the catalyst for the club’s drought breaking championship as well as their undefeated Super League campaign. The captain was instrumental in PAOK’s derby matches where he scored crucial goals against Olympiacos and Aris, while also getting PAOK out of trouble against Panetolikos in Agrinio by scoring a stunning long-range goal. His leadership qualities and character make him a well-respected presence within the dressing room and the league as a whole. Although he will miss the start of the season due to an ACL injury, he will continue to be an inspiration behind the scenes as PAOK look to repeat their league success.
Maurico
The busy midfielder unfortunately saw his season cut short with an ACL injury. The Brazilian made 20 league appearances for PAOK, where he managed to score two important goals in derbies on the road against AEK Athens (1:1 draw) and Panathinaikos (2:0 win).
José Canas
Canas’ work rate and ability to press the opposition, alongside Maurico, made the their partnership an effective one in the PAOK midfield. Canas eventually lost his spot in the starting lineup in the second half of the season after receiving a hip injury in his last match of 2018.
Pontus Wernbloom
The experienced Swedish midfielder came to the club at the beginning of the season with high expectations, after spending seven seasons in the Russian Premier League with CSKA Moscow. Wernbloom struggled to fit into his new team at the beginning of the season, however just when he started to find form, he was struck down with a season-ending ACL injury.
Sergio Oliveira
The Portuguese midfielder was an excellent January signing from Porto as his experience and quality in the middle of the pitch helped PAOK secure the title. Oliveira showed his quality throughout his 11 league appearances, bringing a sense of calmness to the PAOK midfield while also housing the ability to bring his teammates into games.
Yevhen Shakhov
Despite a slow start to the campaign and not being in Razvan Lucescu’s plans at the beginning of the season, Shakhov took his opportunity within the team once it was presented to him, following the injuries of Mauricio and Wernbloom. Shakhov stepped up when needed and had an excellent back-end of the campaign. His contract expires this summer with initial renewal talks with the club falling through.
Dimitris Pelkas
In comparison to last season, Dimitris Pelkas had an inconsistent season in the midfield. However, he came through in big moments towards the end of the season scoring an important goal against Larissa away from home, while being the best player on the pitch in the Greek Cup Final against AEK Athens, ensuring PAOK’s first league/cup double in club history.
Omar El Kaddouri
El Kaddouri began the season well, however eventually lost his spot in the starting eleven. In January, El Kaddouri was keen on a move to Italy which PAOK agreed to, until Lucescu convinced him to stay as he didn’t want to make too many changes to the roster midway through the season.
Diego Biseswar
The Dutchman had his career best season at PAOK finishing the year with eight goals and seven assists from 27 league matches. Lucescu changed Biseswar’s role and placed him in the middle of the pitch, as opposed to previous seasons where he mainly played as a winger. Biseswar has a proven ability to create attacking opportunities in the final third of the pitch and was a leading figure in PAOK’s championship run.
Leo Jaba
The 20-year-old showed his brilliance and talent in his first season in Greece. Jaba, though, will need to improve his consistency in his game as a major gap was seen between his best and worst performances. The Brazilian winger showed enormous amount of potential finishing the year with three goals and six assists from 24 league matches.
Dimitris Limnios
Although Limnios is still in the early parts of his career, he made 20 appearances in the Super League with just one goal and one assist to his name. PAOK’s Romanian technician has faith in Limnios and sees the great potential in the Greek winger. The 21-year-old played an important role within the team, but will need to improve and become more of a threat on the attack.
Karol Swiderski
The Polish striker was signed by PAOK on a 3.5-year-deal in January as a long-term replacement for the outgoing Aleksandar Prijovic, who departed for Saudi Arabia. The 22-year-old made 11 appearances while scoring four goals and providing two assists in the second half of the season. In his second appearance for the club, Swiderski came off the bench and scored a dramatic, late winner against PAS Giannina in the 87th minute to secure a vital three points for PAOK at the Toumba Stadium. As he settles at PAOK, the 22-year-old will continue to improve and be a threat to the opposition.
Chuba Akpom
Chuba Akpom took his opportunity to become the first-choice striker following the departure of Prijovic. The former Arsenal player made 20 appearances while scoring six goals and providing 4 assists, with most of his statistics coming after Prijovic’s departure. His partnership with Brazilian winger Leo Jaba was a dynamic one and Akpom went on to secure the double for PAOK by scoring the only goal in their 1-0 Greek Cup Final victory over AEK Athens.
The Rest
Former Greek International Nikos Karelis failed to make an impact in Thessaloniki, making just five league appearances and failing to score a goal. He did not convince Lucescu or the club to make a permanent bid for him and he will return to is parent club, Genk, this offseason.
Before moving to Saudi Arabia, star striker Aleksandar Prijovic was incredible once again as the Serbian scored nine goals from 13 league appearances. He was a key figure in the first part of the season and joined his former teammates in the final game of the year to celebrate the 2019 Super League crown he so greatly desired.
