Asian Cup
First to the Asian Cup where the performances of Greek Australians Chris Ikonomidis and Apostolis Giannou have been superb. Ikonomidis in particular has been outstanding. Against Palestine he set up both goals, including one for fellow Greek Apostolis Giannou and scored a crucial goal against Syria in the 3-2 win.
No doubt overseas scouts are keeping an eye on the former Lazio youth product, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if Ikonomidis returned to Europe any time soon.
Meanwhile Giannou praised Ikonomidis whose perfect cross against Palestine saw the striker score a glancing header.
“It felt amazing, it feels great to get some time on the park,” he said.
“I was hoping to prove myself and I am very happy I made an impact thanks to Chris’s ball, that helped me a lot, and I scored.”
Giannou’s form with the Socceroos has been a continuation of his season with Cypriot club AEK Larnaca where he has been an ever-present figure this season playing in 22 matches and scoring four goals.
Greece
Reports from Greece say that Australian Youth International Panos Armenakas is in line to make a big move to Greek powerhouse club Panathinaikos. It was reported that the 20-year-old winger spent three weeks was under the watchful eye of Panathinaikos coach George Doni during November.
A source in Greece told Neos Kosmos that once the paper work from his former club Udinese is completed he will arrive in Athens shortly thereafter.
After recovering from injury Peter Makrillos who plays for Greek Super League club Panionios is back to full fitness. Before the winter break he featured against OFI Crete in the League and the midfielder backed that up by playing two matches in the Super Cup against Irodotos and Giannina.
Melbourne born 32-year-old striker Billy Konstantinidis has been a regular for Greek Football League 2 side Irodotos this season playing seven matches in the league and three in the Greek Super Cup.
After featuring for Irodotos in their win over Kitheronas in the Cup, the striker had an opportunity to take on Greek Super League sides Aris and Panionios. But unfortunately the group stage has not been kind to Irodotos and they lost both matches.
Peter Makrillos.
Billy Konstantinidis.
Cyprus
Former Sydney FC striker Bai Antoniou‘s recent move to Cypriot first division side Alki Oroklini has proved fruitful after the 21-year-old made his European professional debut in the round 10 match against Apollon Limassol.
Since then Antoniou has been in the matchday squad on three more occasions and after breaking through will be looking for further game time.
Denmark
It’s been a busy season for Greek Cypriot Australian Antonis Martis who as well as playing youth football for Danish top division team FC Midtjylland, has also represented Cyprus.
The 18-year-old played for Cyprus Under 19 team in November’s EURO U19 Championship qualifiers and featured in the 1-0 win against Latvia, and the narrow loss to Russia. The highly rated youngster has also played regularly for FC Midtjylland’s U19’s as well as moving up the ranks and playing games for their reserve squad.
England
Everton youngster Con Ouzounidis featured for the Young Socceroos in October’s AFC Championship in Indonesia. The 18-year-old has also played several games for Everton’s U23 team in the Premier League 2 Division 1 and Premier League International Cup where he produced impressive performances for Reserve coach David Unsworth’s team.
Germany
Former Sydney Olympic player George Timotheou has continued his early season form with Bundesliga club FC Schalke U23’s team and has become a regular for his new German team.
After playing the opening six games of the season an injury curtailed his progress. Since recovering he has played in every match since October 26 helping his team to second place in the Oberliga Wetsfalen competition.
Former Melbourne Victory star Christian Theoharous has been making steady progress for his German first division side Borussia Monchengladbach’s reserve team this season.
The winger currently plays in the Regionalliga West division and the Greek Cypriot Australian has featured in two of the previous three games.
The 19-year-old was also involved for the Young Socceroos in October’s AFC U19 Championship in Indonesia where unfortunately the Australians failed to qualify for next year’s U20 World Cup.
George Timotheou.
Christian Theoharous.
Holland
After leaving Melbourne City in the off season Dean Bouzanis joined Dutch top division side PEC Zwolle and so far it’s been a season of adjustment for the former Liverpool youth product.
At the moment the 28-year-old goalkeeper is the number two goalkeeper at the club after being in the matchday squad for the majority of the season.
Former Chelsea youth product George Mells moved to Dutch first Division side Fortuna Sittard and like Bouzanis has had to bide his time although the midfielder has featured in the U21 side on several occasions.
Norway
Former Sydney FC left back Alex Gersbach is in his third season with top Norwegian club Rosenberg.
The 21-year-old has featured for his club several times this season including in the League and Europa League before being selected for Graham Arnold’s Socceroos Asian Cup squad.
With Australia qualifying from the group stage Gersbach may be needed in the knockout rounds.
Scotland
Leo Mazis has been making steady progress with Scottish giants Celtic. As well as playing in the youth team the 18-year-old has featured for the Hoops Reserve team on a number of occasions.
