Odysseas Vlachodimos, the goalkeeper for Nottingham Forest, contributed to Greece’s 2-0 victory over Ireland on Friday. The victory puts Gus Poyet’s team in a strong position to make it to Euro 2024, and Steve Cooper’s performance as the goalkeeper raises serious doubts.
On the day before the transfer deadline, Vlachodimos joined Forest. He paid almost £10 million to transfer from Benfica to the club, however he has yet to play a single game for the team.
The 29-year-old probably didn’t come to the City Ground to sit on the bench. He will be eager to play after leaving European football with Benfica, and he would like to do so in the Premier League.
Steve Cooper is questioned by Vlachodimos’ performances.
With Vlachdimos, the head coach is currently in a little bit of a pickle. He will be aware that he has two talented international goalkeepers, one of whom is capable of playing, but he must also be unsure of what to do at this point.
At the City Ground, Matt Turner has been a highly reliable goalkeeper who rarely makes a mistake. Vlachodimos, though, has a ton of European experience and has been in the Champions League.
The Forest goalkeeper may have had to make more saves against Ireland than he had intended. He made four saves during the match, which proved to be more than Gavin Buzuna in the Ireland goal, according to Who Scored.
Now that Forest could approve, Vlachodimos
It does appear that the top player for Greece will eventually have an opportunity to participate. Although Forest will be pleased to have two competent goalkeepers, Vlachodimos is a number one and will ultimately want to play.
Cooper is now confronted with a dilemma. He either sticks for Luton’s visit or he twists, giving the Greek goalie a chance to carve out a position for himself.