For the game's great distributors of the ball, there's unfortunately no assist equivalent of the Puskás Award. But maybe we'd do well to highlight the year's best assist with the Pelé-to-Carlos Alberto Memorial Trophy or something. Basically I just think that Giannis Konstantelias needs some form of recognition for what he accomplished in PAOK Thessaloniki's recent Super League victory over AEK Athens.
PAOK opened the scoring in the 14th minute through Khaled Narey, but it was the 19-year-old Konstantelias who got him the ball... while sitting in the grass, 22 yards out and with five defenders monitoring his every action.
From the seat of his pants, Konstantelias controlled with his right foot, took a steadying touch off the chest and then flicked a pass out to Narey on the edge of the area. Narey shot on the half-volley and beat the goalkeeper inside the post.
Cheers
Giannis konstantelias assist
Γιάννης κωνσταντελιας ασσιστ#PAOK #AEK #PAOKAEK pic.twitter.com/Yfa5tqB3YB— United Universe (@utduniverse_) February 19, 2023
Oh my days.
Watching that, one feels there should be an "Assist of the Year" award.... Take a bow, Giannis Konstantelias! #paokfc #MrBreeze #Konstantelias pic.twitter.com/pBDl1FXkxU
— Vass.Papantonopoulou (@UEFAcomVassP) February 20, 2023
The teenager, who's appeared for Greece's U-21 side, now has five assists and one goal in 18 Super League appearances this season. PAOK are in fourth-place, seven points behind leaders Panathinaikos after 23 games. AEK are in second.
