Matt Derbyshire
The Greek islands are well known as great spot for holiday and parties, far away from rainy United Kingdom, but Blackburn and former England U21 international believes that Greek football will make him better player. Young striker is not satisfied with his status at The Rovers and he already left for Athens to sign 6 months deal.
Olympiacos failed to win the Greek League only once in last 12 years. Also, they are regular in Champion’s League. This season is no different, as they are already far away from the contenders and will once again win the title. Also, they are already in next round of UEFA Cup, where they will have clash with St Etienne. So, team from Piraeus is massive club in Continental Europe, with the army of fans around Greece and Cyprus. At the same time, someone can say that in the country of the blind, the one-eyed man is king. Greek league is far away from Premier League quality. Beside Olympiakos, their arch rivals Panathinaikos, and maybe AEK, all the other clubs are not even in close range. They are playing tough, defensive football; all stadiums are in pretty bad condition, while fans are always angry. They are always complaining on referees, conspiracy theories are everywhere around as well as doubts in every single player. Greece did win the Euro 2004, but their league is pretty bad.
Matt will have 2 serious games in 6 months, and probably a couple more in the UEFA Cup. It is not much for someone who would like to earn a place in the Premier League. Of course, he will have a regular place in the starting eleven, especially because Olympiakos just lost their striker, ex Sheffield Wednesday player, Darko Kovacevic. Kovacevic had great career in Italy and Spain after he left The Owls, but recently he had to retire because of serious problems with his heart. Derbyshire will take his place in the starting line-up.
Olympiacos fans
Greek club will get excellent signing, but Matt will lose. He started his career with The Rovers, had an excellent loan spell at Wrexham. Loan to some Championship side would probably be better solution for him at this moment, as for anyone who is familiar with Greek football it is more then obvious that Championship is much stronger competition. Olympiakos is winning almost 90% matches in the league without too much problems, and it certainly won’t help Derbyshire to improve his game.
Of course, the time will tell, but England international in Greek football is real gambling with the career of any Premier League player.
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He’ll learn a different style of football that dosen’t revolve around chasing long ball’s and be involved in European competition. He’ll also be playing in proper atmosphere’s instead of a half full Ewood or capacity prawn sandwich stadiums. And most importantly… play in a team where the ball is more in the opposition’s box than his…thus a chance to prosper, enjoy and improve his game.