Kostas Manolas: Elite defender for elite challenges

"We have a team that is going to fight until the very end", said Manolas during the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. Greece comes to Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb to face Croatia in the play-offs with the same attitude.

Following the early development at Pannaxiakos and senior career start at Thrasyvoulos, in 2009 Manolas joined AEK Athens, the club of his famous uncle, former international Stelios Manolas. His sporting, fighting approach was mirrored in his first senior goal, scored against rivals Olympiakos with a broken cheekbone. Upon substitution, he refused to go to hospital before the final whistle.

In the yellow and black jersey, his progress was influenced by one of the EURO 2004 heroes, Traianos Dellas, a defender Manolas considers his teacher. They have won the Greek Cup, and interestingly enough, in 2010 Manolas scored at Poljud Stadium in Split, in the Europa League clash with Hajduk.

In July 2012, he made a further step forward signing for Olympiakos and celebrating two league titles. His quality club performances, alongside the impressive stint at the World Cup in Brazil, paved him the way to Roma, with other European powerhouses closely monitoring the situation.

During the previous three seasons in Roma, Manolas became one of the best markers in Serie A. His stability, versatility and pace make him an easy choice for any coach, regardless of the system. It is no surprise that his value stands at 30 million euros, with giants such as Juventus, Chelsea, Manchester United, or Arsenal considering to pay the fee.

Manolas was included in the preliminary 2010 World Cup squad, but failed to make the final cut, and then had to wait another three years to make his international debut, in a friendly match against Switzerland. He was quick to cement his position, and reached the second round of the World Cup in Brazil, earning praise as one of the best individuals in Greek squad.

Up to November 2017, Manolas was capped on 32 occasions, and joins the national team on the verge of full recovery. Due to a groin injury, he was forced to take a several weeks' break. "Greece internationals are very experienced, and we shall see what we can achieve. Playing against the best teams is a real motivation for us. We want to prove that we are the part of world's elite", emphasizes Manolas. However, he will miss the Zagreb encounter due to a FIFA suspension, yet his appearance in Piraeus can make life difficult for Croatia, and Croatia's forwards would be a proper challenge for a player of Manolas' class.

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