AEL End Of Season Player Ratings

AEL 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.

Goalkeepers:

Ogmundur Kristinsson – (9/10 – 34 Appearances): In his first season Kristinsson has proven to be a quality signing for AEL and played absolutely tremendous by providing crucial saves, especially in the last 8 rounds of the season, despite the team’s defence injury woes and being vulnerable to opposition counter-attacks. He was called up to the Iceland national team on numerous occasions during the season.  He also managed to keep 11 clean sheets to his name in his first season. As the season concluded, he was awarded the club’s player of the season and rightfully deserved it.

Panagiotis Paiteris – (6/10 – 1 Appearance):  2nd choice goalkeeper only appeared once all season in the Greek Cup against Irodotos in the group stages. Did not do much in the match but could not manage a clean sheet due to a costly error from the defenders in front of him.

Defenders:

Nikola Zizic - (8/10 - 24 Appearances, 3 Goals): Arguably the best defender throughout the season despite not starting the season due to injury, the towering Croatian solidified the defence with his composure and leadership. He is known for this season for scoring a long-range free kick against Asteras Tripolis in the Round of 16 of the Greek Cup.

Nikos Karanikas - (5/10 – 24 Appearances, - Goal/s): Retuned for his 2nd stint with the club, the right-back was given the captain’s armband for the most part of this season. He is the most ill-disciplined player this Greek Super League season with 13 yellow cards and 2 red cards and certainly did not impress the fans. Furthermore, he was exposed at times when on the attack and his decision-making on the pitch seemed questionable.

Nikos Golias – (5/10 – 24 Appearances, 1 Goal): Was utilised to fill in for Moras and played exceptionally well at times but was very inconsistent throughout the season as he did not provide enough defensive cover to opposition attacks. However, he has proven at best to be a backup centre-back, he had a very average season.

Aleksander Gojkovic – (4/10 – 24 Appearances, - Goal/s): Having registered a great amount of games, the Serbian defender had a nightmare season. At times he would push up on the attack leaving the defence wide open and did not provide defensive cover on opposition’s attacks, which exposes him to be very error prone. It was a very poor season from him filled with mediocrity.

Vangelis Moras – (7/10 – 17 Appearances, 1 Goal): The veteran defender suffered various muscular injuries and was on the sidelines for most of the season. When he returned in the 2nd half of the season, he was mostly influential in AEL’s survival to remain in the top flight. However, Moras is unsure whether he will continue for another season. With his leadership and experience, several players in the squad are calling for the veteran defender to continue his career with the club.

Nikola Jakimovski – (6/10 – 17 Appearances, 1 Goal) A mid-season acquisition to replace the injured Bulgarian left-back Hubchev, he certainly impressed and was a key part of AEL’s survival with his goal contributions and high attacking work-rate. Though uncomfortable in the left-back position, he managed to cope with the pressure from the opposition and did exceptionally well. However, he may not be on the roster for next season.

Christos Gromitsaris – (3/10 – 15 Appearances, - 0 Goal/s):  A summer transfer from the relegated Kerkyra and was mostly used as a rotation centre-back and also utilised occasionally at right-back, Gromitsaris failed to impress due to constant errors and his lack of composure on the ball. A very poor season and it is highly likely he will be released.

Hristorfor Hubchev - (6/10 – 14 Appearances, 0 Goal/s):  It took a bit of time for the Bulgarian left-back to settle with the early season managerial change. He impressed on the pitch with his versatility and work-rate, but suffered an ACL injury which ended his season and is likely his contract will be terminated.

Manolis Bertos - (5/10 – 9 Appearances, 1 Goal): Mainly used as a back-up and filled in for the injured Hubchev at left-back and Karanikas at right-back when he was suspended. Did exceptionally well, but should never be utilised at left-back as Bertos looked very uncomfortable and was out of position.

Slavko Bralic - (7/10 – 8 Appearances, 1 Goal):  Another mid-season acquisition, the Croation defender made his first appearance in matchday 23 against OFI and made quite an impression with his composure and defensive duelling. Bralic was key in ensuring AEL’s safety, by scoring the winner against AEK in round 29.

Stefan Zivkovic - (6/10 – 12 Appearances, 0 Goal/s): Signed in January mainly as a backup left-back but cemented his starting spot mostly at left-wing for the suspended Deletic, the Serbian’s ability to track-back and attacking work-rate played an integral part in AEL’s survival. However, his ball-control frustrated many and must improve on it.

Midfielders:

Fatjon Andoni - (6/10 – 27 Appearances, 5 Goals): The spine of the midfield, Andoni’s physicality is a main attribute he possesses and has used it this season stopping counter-attacks. Though, his aggression can get ahead of him and would often lose possession frequently.

Radomir Milosavljevic - (8/10 30 Appearances, 2 Goals): A key player in the central midfield, the Serbian midfielder ball passing abilities, awareness and flair have been outstanding to watch in his first full season with AEL. He has proven to be an important players and has truly cemented his place in the team. A remarkable season from Milosavljevic and expect more to come in the future.

Adnan Secerovic  - (6/10 – 16 Appearances, 0 Goal/s): Another one of AEL’s mid-season transfers, the Bosnian midfielder was acquired to bolster the midfield and solidify the central midfield partnership with Milosavljevic. Secerovic lost possession quite frequently and did not work hard enough on the attack as he did mostly tracking back to defend. A full season is needed for him to get the most out of him.

Piti – (4/10 – 17 Appearances, 0 Goal/s): The veteran Spanish midfielder started off the season great under Antoniou, but struggled to cope with the managerial change and Festa’s style of play which clearly stuttered his attacking mindset. He granted his release in January.

Noe Akosta – (4/10 – 15 Appearances, 1 Goal): The second veteran midfielder from Spain was mainly used as a back-up. However, his performances showed he was very sluggish on the ball and constantly held up the team’s attack which certainly did not impress Festa. Very unlikely he will be offered a new contract.

Leozinho – (4/10 – 10 Appearances, 1 Goal): The third veteran midfielder originating from Brazil, unlike last season Leozinho did not feature much and was utilised more as a back-up. Despite scoring a goal in the Greek Cup, he failed to satisfy Festa for most of the season as well as the club already confirmed they will not offer the Brazilian another contract.

Alexandre Coeff – (5/10 – 9 Appearances, 1 Goal): Expectations were high for the French midfielder arriving from Italian club Udinese, but throughout the season he struggled to settle with Greece’s climate and also stated on his social media his dissatisfaction with AEL Arena’s pitch. Coeff will only be remembered for scoring his only goal with AEL against Levadiakos in round 9. He granted his release in January.

Panagiotis Ballas – (5/10 – 8 Appearances, 0 Goal/s): A very unlucky player, for most of this season was constantly benched and went unnoticed as a back-up option. Though, he did star in AEL’s heroic win against AEK in round 29 and played terrific in Andoni’s position.  I personally believe Ballas deserves more game time to truly show his worth, and I can’t understand why every manager since 2017 has not given him the opportunity to do so.

Attackers:

Milos Deletic – (8/10 – 26 Appearances, 6 Goals):  An extraordinary season from the Serbian winger only for him to be controversially suspended from the squad by Kougias after he announced his move to AEK next season. Besides, it has been spectacular to watch him this season with his ball passing and technical abilities, in addition to having a great attacking mindset. A portion of AEL’s goals have come from Deletic’s contributions providing 6 goals and 4 assists. He has proven to be a top talent in the league and let’s hope he can show his worth at AEK next season.

Kenan Bargan – (5/10 – 22 Appearances, 3 Goals): Arrived from promoted Aris, Bargan was firstly seen as a back-up option until Festa came along and constantly selected him in the starting line-up. He never really stood out with his performances and decision-making on the pitch and therefore was very unpredictable. A poor and inconsistent season from Bargan and AEL has recently announced to have terminated his contract.

Yevgeniy Shikavka – (6/10 – 17 Appearances, 2 Goals):  Acquired in January from Belarus to bolster the attacking options, Shikavka was the backup striker of the team and made an impression with his work-rate that very much suited Festa’s style of play. Throughout his time he has shown to have great attacking awareness but deserves more game time and I personally think he should remain in the squad next season to prove his worth.

Petar Kunic – (2/10 – 12 Appearances, 0 Goal/s): The Bosnian striker frustrated fans and Festa with his constant missed one on one and close-range chances. Kunic never showed his worth with his poor work rate and mentality. Therefore, Festa demoted the striker from the squad.

Suad Sahiti - (3/10 – 10 Appearances, 0 Goal/s): A summer transfer arriving from Albania, Kougias claimed Sahiti would put “bums on seats” and would help the team to earn qualification for Europa League. That clearly was not the case as his performances did not satisfy Festa and was afterwards released in January.

Marko Nunic - (6/10 – 26 Appearances, 8 Goals): Originally used as a backup striker to Kunic under Antoniou, the big Slovenian striker showed his worth under Festa and made quite a partnership with Serbian winger Deletic. However, the second half of the season Nunic struggled to find the net but Festa admired his work rate and attacking awareness. Though, it is unclear whether he will remain with AEL next season.

Vangelis Nousios - (5/10 – 7 Appearances, 1 Goal):  A product of the AEL youth system and was given the opportunity by Festa to show his worth. He scored his first professional goal in the 4 nil away victory against Apollon Pontou in the group stages of the Greek Cup, and was also used as a substitute in the league too. It is great to see youth players be given the chance to prove their talent and I expect Nousios to register more games under his name next season

Overall Average – 5.5/10

It is without a doubt the squad will undergo a major overhaul for the upcoming Greek Super League.  There have been some hits and misses this season and AEL will need to grant releases of certain players that did not meet expectations. Since Festa has announced he will not be on board next season, the incoming manager will look to improve on all departments of the squad except for the goalkeeper position. AEL should aim to acquire:

• 1 Striker (A proven goal-scorer)
• 2 Wingers (To replace Bargan and Deletic)
• 2 Midfielders (Mainly as back-up)
• 1 Left-Back (For rotation)
• 1 Centre-Back (If Moras confirms his retirement)