Aris End Of Season Player Ratings

Aris season review; Rating every player who has played 5 or more games on the roster

Reminder; These ratings are opinion based and subjective. They are based on the author’s observations and opinions of the squad.

CUESTA (7.5/10): Came as a completely unknown factor, but gained everyones trust from day one. Consistency has been Julian’s middle name and one can recall some solid performances but not a really bad one. Marginally Top 5 SLGR keeper for a SL top 5 side, although a slight improvement will be demanded in the process.

TZANAKAKIS (6.5/10): Transisioned from FL to SLGR smoothly and took the starting RB spot home with him. In many occassions though, he gave the impression that he was picked just because there wasnt any alternative. Thats why Aris first summer transfer is a RB. Uncertain future.

VELEZ(8/10): Dynamic defender with decent ball handling qualities. Fran represents a very solid option for the central defence positions. Not even fazed by a serious mid season injury, the Catalan has established himself as a necessity for Pantelidis next season. 

DELIZISIS(7.5/10): Fast and furious, Deli capitalised on last years hegemonic performances and although eventually lost his regular first team status, he still represents a valuable unit for the team on and off the pitch. First team regular for 2019/20 and among the team captains for sure.

ROSE(9/10): One of January’s bargains. Composure, decision making, work rate plus all the desired CB attributes in a prodigy package of a modern football professional (and a fan favorite too). What else can you ask for? Vital for Aris, an absolute must-keep.

VALERIANOS(6.5/10): Same case with Tzanakakis, good professional that proved a worthy SLGR starter, but had lots of ups and downs and some loud weaknesses like crossing and man marking. All and all, he had a likeable season which even presented him with an international call up, but he will not star in Pantelidis plans next year. Correct decision? Remains to be seen.

KORHUT(7/10): Mihal is the kind of player that doesnt stand out for something specific in his game, but can do almost everything on the pitch to a satisfactory rate, and that makes him a very good option for his manager. He formed an indestructible left wing duo with Larsson, making opossition right side players life very difficult. Well inside squad rotation.

SIOPIS(8,5/10): Manolis propelled himself from fringe Olympiakos misery to MVPish Aris status. Constantly running, marking, covering and even creating, Siopis became the fan favourite and the main DM for the years to come. Lets hope his late injury with the Ethniki will not escalate to something serious.

MATILLA(9/10): Pure class. Obviously if it wasnt for the injury troubled history, we wouldnt have the opportunity to be graced by his presence. When and if backed up by his fellow midfield teammates, Javier is a game changer with his free flowing passing and mainly his deadly free kick accuracy. Majestic.

BASHA(5.5/10): Not very good, not very bad, Basha had some good games early in the season but the earlier the better for him and his general presence in the team. Remains a squad member for the 2019/20 season, but clearly a back up player.

MARTINEZ(7/10): Decent year as a "super-sub", Nicolas contributed 3 goals and 2 assists as a 14 time substitute (Total 21 caps). An agile and technical AMC, Martinez will struggle for more regular status given that the new 4-3-3 Pantelidis tactic may not have a specific role for him.

FETFATZIDIS(5/10): Rare decent appearances, but steadily giving the impression of a cold-hearted somehow foreign body to the team. Remains a quality player but he will be escorted to the Kl.Vikelidis exit without any hard feelings.

LARSSON(9/10): Cold blooded professional, Daniel glued perfectly from the first minute. 2 goals and 1 assist is a very poor statline to express the dentrimental effect that the Swede has in Aris gameplay. He literally overpowered opposition right backs and wingers, contributing for the Aris February-March turnaround in a decisive way. Aris will be happy having him around next year.

BRUNO GAMA(7/10): Arguably the best Aris player from a technical point of view (and one of the SLGR finest), Bruno didnt deliver as much as Aris fans expected. He suffered a devastating injury in January so we didnt see him blend with the new improved post-transfer side as he had problems finding a productive role in the confused early Herrera team. If he returns healthy, he can be a major breakthrough for 19/20 Aris team.

YOUNES(6.5/10): The most controversial figure for the 18/19 season (except maybe former coach Herrera), Hamza scored 9 goals but his overall contribution failed to impress as much. Most of the times, Hamza was an isolated figure, almost a non-factor who also missed a lot of penalties (although this was a general team symptom), and subsequently ended up benched.bMust find a more suitable role.

GARCIA(8.5/10): The most outstanding figure of the 2018/19 organisation, the Las Palmas loanee became not only the first team scorer but also the focal point of the entire Aris team, although he didnt always shine on having some ups and downs in the process. The most highly valued player to wear a yellow/black uniform last year, is worthy of all praise but Las Palmas extremely high demands hangs his Aris future in the balance. Everybody wants him to stay but only at the right price.

DIGUINY(9/10): A seasoned SLGR player already before coming to Aris, Nicolas was the most consistent Aris player day in, day out and subsequently the most fitting man for the season MVP. 8 goals, 5 assists and precious helps in every aspect of the game, the Frenchman is the synonym of the good, brave(and skilled) soldier. More of the same please.

All and all, a ressurection-type come back season for Aris Thessaloniki, but the difficult part has only just begun. Pantelidis must find the right formula and the appropriate acquisitions, but only under a rational and careful financial management which is more than vital if we REALLY are going to "make all our dreams become a reality."

By Likemike17 for Hellas Football