Giorgos Giakoumakis may not have been on the scoresheet last night, but it sounds as though the Celtic striker has carried over his impressive form to the international stage.
The 27-year started for Greece as they took home all three points in their UEFA Nations League opener against Northern Ireland.
It was the perfect start for new boss Gus Poyet, who delivered a 1-0 win in his first competitive game in charge of the Greek national team.
Giakoumakis is clearly a player the former Brighton and Sunderland manager has been impressed with, having recalled the Celtic striker to the squad back in March.
Last night was his second start in the last three games for the international team, off the back of a brilliant end to the season for Ange Postecoglou’s side, finishing joint top scorer in the Scottish Premiership.
In a report from the 1-0 win last night, Greek outlet Gazzetta provided a quick rundown of the Celtic strikers’ performance at Windsor Park.
Despite not scoring, there was a lot to be happy about for Giakoumakis, and it sounded exactly like what the Celtic manager looks for in his forward players.
The paper stated: “A very good appearance until 69 minutes (when he was subbed off). He did it all but goals!
“He won battles from the opposing stoppers, pressed correctly, “broke” the ball, troubled the opposing defence. He wasn’t fed as much as he should have been, but he was “in” the game.”
Meanwhile, Greek podcaster Minas Vergis stated on Twitter: “Giakoumakis is very positive, he won many duels, he had a presence in the area. In games with physical opponents he is necessary, it seems that he is in good condition.”
Giorgos Giakoumakis is having a brilliant 2022
After taking some time to settle into life as a Celtic player, Giakoumakis had a brilliant 2022 and finished the season off strongly with two goals on the final day.
He hasn’t just rested on that, though. The Hoops striker has continued the hard work over to his international side and continued his momentum with another positive performance last night.
It is well known by now that scoring goals isn’t all Ange Postecoglou is looking for in a striker.
The 56-year old wants more than that. He wants hard work and pressing, which are vital parts of the game for players such as Kyogo and Daizen Maeda.
Although that side of the game may not come as naturally to Giakoumakis, he has clearly worked hard on improving it and is now earning the rewards and both club and international level.
Now, the Celtic striker will be looking to add his first goal for his nation since his debut in 2020 when they take on Kosovo on Sunday.
In other news, Reo Hatate’s former manager insists there’s more to come from him at Celtic.
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