If you ever want an example as to why statistics can be misleading, look no further than Panathinaikos striker Fotis Ioannidis.
Across 32 games this season, Ioannidis has just five goals and four goals. On paper, a more-than underwhelming total for a centre-forward leading the line for a team sitting pretty at the top of the Greek Super League table.
Such a tally certainly doesn’t paint the picture of Ioannidis being ‘the most influential player of the league’. But, as Greek publication Athletic Radio point out, there is far more to Ioannidis’ game than the raw numbers would have you believe.
“Through hard work, passion, stubbornness and persistence, he managed to develop into an absolute protagonist for Panathinaikos,” they write. “(Ioannidis) is the most influential footballer in the Super League.”
Celtic like Greek striker Fotis Ioannidis
Scottish Premiership champions Celtic, SportDog say, have been scouting 23-year-old Ioannidis for a number of seasons. And there is a very good reason why Panathinaikos hope to extend his contract as their powerhouse number seven enters the final 12 months of his deal.
Ioannidis, Athletic Radio add, has won Panathinaikos no fewer than 17 points this season alone. While not a ‘great goalscorer’, he is certainly a scorer of highly-important goals. There was a late winner at Panetolikos. An equaliser off the bench against OFI. Last time out, Ioannidis scored a brace as Panathinakos triumphed away to Atromitos.
Panathinaikos are currently two points clear of AEK Athens in top spot; a first title in over a decade in their sights. Ioannidis was just 11 years of age the last time the Super League title was decorated with evergreen ribbons. And, should that barren run come to an end over the coming weeks, few will care that their centre-forward might not have reached double figures.
All that anyone will remember is that, when the Bat Signal lit up the Athens sky, Ioannidis came swooping down; mask, cape and all.
“(Ioannidis) is the ultimate example that whoever works hard will always be rewarded,” writes SportDog reporter Kostas Goulis.
“No matter how difficult the path, Fotis Ioannidis is a player who will give everything he has. He doesn’t leave anything on the field.”
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