Vlachodimos

[Jammy89]

Interesting little piece about Vlad.

Vlachodimos: "I want to be important at Newcastle"

​A fascinating exclusive from Mark Douglas at The i Paper has dropped this morning regarding our forgotten ?20m man, Odysseas Vlachodimos.

​Currently out on loan at Sevilla, the Greek international has finally broken his silence on a "strange" first year at St James' Park. Despite being one of the top-performing keepers in Europe right now (ranking 5th in xG conceded gap across the big five leagues!), he made just one appearance for us before being shipped to La Liga. This after Odysseas has revealed he was given sporting assurances about game time at Newcastle, only to be told on the eve of the season that Martin Dubravka wasn?t leaving.

​No Hard Feelings: He holds no grudge against Eddie Howe or the staff and remains in weekly contact with the Goalkeeping department.

​Future Ambitions: With a massive overhaul of our goalkeeping department planned for 2026, Vlachodimos admits: "Of course I?d come back... I want to play for them and be important on the pitch."

​With Aaron Ramsdale?s permanent future uncertain, Nick Pope inconsistent and James Trafford seemingly off the table, could Vlachodimos actually be the solution to our #1 jersey in 2026? 🛡️

​What do you think, Mags? Should Odysseas get a fair crack at the starting spot when he returns from Spain? 👇

--------------

I'm sure the answer is no, due to how Pope was playing but part of me does wonder if he got no game time because he was the make-weight in the Anderson deal and Howe was mega pissed at losing Anderson.

[toptoon]

Stranger things have happened.

Howay the Greek fella !!

[Ragatino]

Interesting little piece about Vlad.

Vlachodimos: "I want to be important at Newcastle"

​What do you think, Mags? Should Odysseas get a fair crack at the starting spot when he returns from Spain? 👇
--------------

The lad was quality in Portugal. At one point I believe he had a 60 or 70m Euro release clause.

He fell off a cliff in Nottingham, as Matt Sels, a complete no hoped during his time at NUFC became a worldie.

I can honestly say I have never seen Vlachodimos play a game of football. He might have played in a pre-season or perhaps an early cup tie now that I think about it, however, I didn't think 'hang on lads, I think this fella might be able to do a job.'

Clearly the whole transfer around him and Anderson was not appreciated by Howe. It's one of the only subjects Eddie gives a clear and constant honest answer on in press conferences. It's also the only subject he breaks protocol on 'other peoples player' and openly admits he love the player back in the Newcastle United squad.

I don't believe that Eddie or the rest of the coaches have any malice towards the Greek, they just, clearly don't fancy him.

Would I give him a change? Nah, not bothered. It's clear that Rambo isn't going to be the answer. Unless he some how becomes exponentially better at the 'Pope' strengths of Keeping; the command of the area, clearing crosses, coming for corners and crosses etc the club will be on the hunt, once again, in the summer for a Goal Keeper.

Dunno how much validity there is in it, but, there has been noises that the club are interested in Parma Keeper Zion Suzuki.

For me the, Odysseas at 31 years old, with his current level just isn't the man. The next keeper signing has to be a player who will become one of the best in the world in a few years time.

A GK equivalent of Bruno, Tonali, Thiaw, Hall, Tino etc. is what the club needs to sign. A player a year or 2 away from elite level.

[toonviking]

We certainly need a new keeper.

Pope and Ramsdale is both mediocre, with big weeknesses

[MidsMagpie]

He should have been playing he is a class international goalkeeper the way he has been treated is disgusting.

[toptoon]

He should have been playing he is a class international goalkeeper the way he has been treated is disgusting.

Ooohhh ..comtroversial?.

[Scott Kirkland]

Eddie might not of wanted him in the first place, we just needed to sell Anderson and Minteh, and buy Vlachodimas

[Ragatino]

What Vlac did in training clearly didn't blow anyone's socks off.

No doubt he's a good keeper. You don't keep goal 151 for Benfica for 5 yrs if you stink.

I do get the feeling that it's a case of 'Shelby syndrome.'

Whilst being ****e, whenever JonJoe was out injured of on a red card ban, we all hyped him like prime Pirlo. Ayoze Perez another. When they weren't playing they were worldies.

I get the feeling Vlac falls into that category.

[MidsMagpie]

At times Ruddy was even getting picked ahead of him last season

[Zippity]

At times Ruddy was even getting picked ahead of him last season

Only because we couldn't spell his name on the back of his shirt.