The Best Wing Choices

By Christian Leggas 

So far in Gus Poyet's tenure as coach, the left and right wings have been heavily rotated. With March fast approaching, here are the selection-musts Poyet has to make to give us the best chance to first qualify for and then to do some damage at Euro 2024.

Starters:

Giorgos Masouras-Right Wing:

He might have occasions where his end product can let him down, converting a chance or delivering the perfect final ball, but he's a hard worker both ways and has an eye for goal. He's number two on the goals scored chart amongst our regular players. Selecting this guy is a no-brainer.

Christos Tzolis-Left Wing:

We've survived okay without him since 2021, but it's time for him to be re-integrated into the senior squad. With six goals in seven caps with the under-21s in the space of almost two years, not to mention his brilliant form with Fortuna Düsseldorf. He has earned his return to the senior team and a starting position on the left wing.

Off the Bench:

Taxiarchis Fountas:

His numbers in the way of goals and assists for club and country aren't currently worthy of a start. But his impact off the bench can be crucial if we need it. Away at Cyprus, away at Malta and at home to the Republic of Ireland are a few examples that spring to mind where he added notable energy off the bench and was unlucky not to be more rewarded for his efforts.

Dimitris Limnios:

Now that he finally has a new club, I'd be shocked if he's not back into the Ethniki fold as soon as possible. We should not forget how good he was at our most recent Nations League campaign. He was a pain to deal with for the opposing full-backs he faced. Like Fountas, albeit in a different way, his value as a "Super-sub" would be enormously crucial, and I'd hope he could really challenge for a starting birth soon enough.

The Unlucky Ones:

Giannis Konstantelias:

Before anybody thinks otherwise, of course, he should be selected in the squad, but as a central attacking midfielder first and foremost. He can play on the left side of the attack, but you have to think about how you fit other attackers into this team as well and into their best positions. When Fountas is unavailable, he's my second choice at left wing.

Lazaros Lamprou:

This poor guy is just damn unlucky each way you look at it. He's in decent form domestically, but there are just too many regulars available to play. I hope he can get a chance one day.

Dimitrios Pelkas & Tasos Chatzigiovanis:

These two are linked together because they're in the same boat. Their attitudes are first class, but there's a combination of young and more obvious talent mentioned above that have a better chance of delivering what this team needs. As well as some better goals and assists numbers domestically. But it's not like these two haven't shown their quality when given the chance, and I thank them for that, plus their efforts.

@Crazy_Ethnic

Hellas Football