Celtic striker Giorgos Giakoumakis has been compared to Serbian international goal machine Aleksandar Mitrovic by teammate Matt O’Riley.
The powerful Greek striker has had an impactful 2022 so far with 6 goals to his name so far this year. He’s finally managed to win a spot in the Celtic starting XI with Kyogo Furuhashi currently sidelined.
Alongside him has been Celtic teammate O’Riley, who himself has had an electric start to his Parkhead career. O’Riley featured alongside Serbian hitman Mitrovic during his Fulham days between 2018 and 2020. And it’s fair to say his former teammate is flying with 34 goals in 33 games this term [Transfermarkt].
O’Riley has stated that he’s noticed similarities between Mitrovic and Giakoumakis too as he talked up the latter ahead of today’s meeting with Hibs. As quoted by the Herald, O’Riley said: “I think their styles are very similar. They’re both very strong and like to hold the ball up. When they’re in the box, they’re very sharp so there are definite similarities there.
“Giorgos is a good option for us and he’s something different to [Daizen] Maeda and Kyogo. It’s better to have different types of players up there. If we need to use his style in certain types of games, we can go to him. It would be nice if he got as many goals as Mitrovic.
“He’s absolutely flying right now for Fulham. They’ll go up this season and it helps when you’ve got a guy like that scoring so many goals.”
Giorgos Giakoumakis earns glistening Aleksandar Mitrovic comparison
Mitrovic is a total goal machine these days. Whilst his performances in the past have been inconsistent and question marks may be asked about how he’ll cope with the step-up to the EPL next season, he’s been in electric form this term.
He’s a proven goal machine at international level too let’s not forget. In 69 appearances for his country, Mitrovic has bagged an incredible 44 goals [Transfermarkt]. His form is terrifying for opposition defenders – there’s a reason Fulham splashed out £27m to sign him [Sky Sports].
In terms of Giakoumakis, you can see the comparisons. They both play an extremely physical style of football as the number 9. They like to hold the ball up and use their strength to bring teammates into play. They’re both powerful in the air whilst they like to get into the box and play the poacher’s role when the opportunity presents itself.
Granted, Giakoumakis has yet to prove himself on the levels Mitrovic has succeeded in. We’ve still to see the best of the Greek forward, and it’s clear he needs to continue his consistency in front of goal if he’s to be a success here.
The early signs in 2022 are extremely promising. Giakoumakis is fresh off of a hat-trick against Dundee last Sunday, and has performed well in our big domestic fixtures since the return from the winter break.
It remains to be seen if Giakoumakis will ever reach Mitrovic-like levels. But you can see the resemblance on the park. Hopefully, he continues his fine form for the Hoops at Easter Road this afternoon.
In other news, Callum McGregor explains his classy post Bodo/Glimt vs Celtic gesture
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