Brighton are the best for young talents like Konstantelias to join
There is a most brilliant 20-year-old taking Greek football by storm at the moment. For Giannis Konstantelias and his future, Brighton and the way they make superstars rather than buying them provides inspiration.
The midfielder’s first season was excellent following an impressive explosion onto the scene. Konstantelias played in 21 PAOK matches during the regular season, scoring twice and providing five assists.
Of those assists, one was the sort that would have been talked about for days and weeks if it had been dropped by Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo or a well-known name in world football.
It has been reported here in Greece that Manchester United and Arsenal are interested in Konstantelias. Either this year or next, it is certain he will no longer be amongst us, continuing his career abroad.
Obviously, the question is whether Konstantelias is ready for such a step at a young age. Many Greeks worry our potential superstar will move to England, Germany or Spain but not play so much.
At this point, Brighton come into conversation. The football world sees Alexis Mac Allister, Moises Caicedo, Julio Enciso, Evan Ferguson and Facundo Buonanotte all playing for the Seagulls.
Because Brighton play young players who would be lost at other clubs, the Amex is seen as a great destination for the best to take the next step in their careers.
Other Premier League clubs do give chances. Alejandro Garnacho struck his first goal for Manchester United just months after turning 18.
Ethan Nwaneri became the youngest player in Premier League history when Mikel Arteta gave the 16-year-old a moment of magic, bringing him off the bench as Arsenal won 3-0 at the Gtech Stadium.
Brighton though do not restrict their young players to one or two moments. They trust them to offer something regularly. Why not Konstantelias?
He has all the skills needed to make Brighton take an interest and if he did join the Seagulls, could transfer to English football with characteristic ease.
Konstantelias is great in ball circulation and he can pass his way out of tight spots. Exactly what Roberto De Zerbi looks for in a midfielder.
He also has the mentality of being a young man constantly wanting to learn, make risks and take the initiative. De Zerbi enjoys this side of coaching, making his player better.
It is easy to imagine Giannis Konstantelias improving towards his potential at Brighton, as with the cases of Ferguson, Buonaotte, Enciso and Kaoru Mitoma this season.
Even if the Seagulls have no interest in Konstantelias, Brighton are still offering a lesson for our midfielder when he needs to decide his future.
Move to a club where young players can flourish and the future of Konstantelias can be as bright as the future of Brighton.
Dimitris Manakos @dimitris_manakos / England365.gr
