Dr. Vangelis and Mr. Pavlidis: The Paradox By Numbers

Dr. Vangelis and Mr. Pavlidis: The Paradox By Numbers.

With AZ and now Benfica, Vangelis Pavlidis has been a goal machine—unstoppable at times. Yet, it’s a completely different story when it comes to the Ethniki.

Let’s unpack it: from the 2023/24 to the 2024/25 season with his clubs, and since 2021/22 with the national team.

Pavlidis with AZ (League + Europe, 2023–24):

• 49 games played
• 35 goals (0.80 per 90 minutes)
• 1 goal every 125 minutes
• 7 assists (0.92 goal involvements per 90)
• 129 shots (2.62 per 90)
• 60 shots on target (65% accuracy)
• 30.71% of shots resulted in goals

Pavlidis with Benfica (League + Europe, 2024–25, ongoing):

• 42 games played
• 24 goals (0.76 per 90 minutes)
• 8 assists (0.95 goal involvements per 90)
• 1 goal every 125 minutes
• 78 shots (2.38 per 90)
• 48 shots on target (67% accuracy)
• 30.5% of shots resulted in goals

These are the numbers of a world-class striker—someone who can score anytime he gets the opportunity, while also contributing actively across the frontline. He’s arguably one of the best in Europe right now.

And yet… it’s a completely different story with Greece.

Pavlidis with the Ethniki (2021–22 to 2024–25, official competitions only, ongoing):

• 18 games played (1258 minutes)
• 4 goals (0.28 per 90 minutes)
• 0 assists
• 1 goal every 275 minutes
• 15 shots (1.07 per 90)
• 6 shots on target (40% accuracy)
• 26% of shots resulted in goals

These numbers, while not disastrous, are certainly disappointing—especially when considering the level of the player and the team’s recent performances. There is clearly a lack of connection between the striker and his teammates. Of course, he’s not the only one to blame. The striker position has been a recurring problem for Greece for over a decade now, following the decline of Gekas and later Mitroglou.

Still, for reference, his numbers are worse than those of Ioannidis (5 goals in 16 games, all during the last two campaigns) and Giakoumakis (1 goal every 222 minutes between 2021–22 and his final call-up against Georgia). They’re also lower than those of the “Young Guns”: Koutsias, Tzimas, and Kostoulas have scored 8, 7, and 2 goals respectively for the U21/U19 teams since 2022, despite significantly less playing time. Sure, the U21 or U19 Euros aren’t the Nations League or World Cup qualifiers, but considering how our youth categories have underperformed relative to their potential, the contrast is stark (and we’ll explore that more below).

With his clubs, Pavlidis thrives regardless of the style of play. With the Ethniki, no tactics seem to suit him when he puts on the national jersey. Neither the position—whether on the left wing or up front—nor the formations (4-2-3-1, 4-3-3, or 3-5-2) under various coaches have helped him shine in over 40 appearances. Meanwhile, the new “Terrible Trio” of Tzolis, Konstantelias, and Karetsas needed just 60 minutes together to become the “six-legged Lethal Weapon.”

Since his brilliant performance at Wembley, Pavlidis has been largely invisible—unable to create chances against Ireland or Finland.

Against Scotland, the match that (hopefully!) launched the new generation, Pavlidis was once again lost on the pitch. He struggled to get on the ball, couldn’t play off the ball either, even when surrounded by the most exciting offensive talent Greece has had in more than a generation.

There are historic parallels here: many brilliant strikers—like Karim Benzema, Gonzalo Higuaín, Carlos Tévez (or, for the older fans, Emile Heskey and Nwankwo Kanu)—never fully lived up to expectations with their national teams.

No one will ever forget the magical victory Vangelis helped deliver at Wembley. He’ll always be remembered for that. But… does that alone earn him a free pass?

This leads to the next question:

Should we continue with Pavlidis, hoping he finally finds form with the national team, or should we turn the page and trust the new generation?

Personally, I’ve made up my mind: no.

Tzimas, Kostoulas, and even Koutsias are already making waves. They look ready to carry the torch—proving themselves both with their clubs and in the Ethniki’s youth teams.

Each brings something unique: Tzimas is a pure target man who can kill a game with one touch. Kostoulas drives defenders crazy with his movement and work rate. Koutsias has a versatile profile, capable of playing anywhere across the attack.

And we must think ahead—not just to 2026, but to 2028 and 2030. Regardless of who the coach is, we need a long-term vision. With Karetsas, Tzolis, Konstantelias, Kostoulas, and Tzimas, the Ethniki is assembling its most talented generation since the late ’70s—maybe in our history. These kids (Karetsas aside) have grown up playing together through the youth ranks.

So… what do you think, folks?

Should Pavlidis remain the main striker?

An ace off the bench, perhaps?

Or is it time to move on?

The debate is open.

By Alain Anastasakis

Hellas Football