Under the fans’ microscope: The players who must carry the load

Fans may follow the team first, but their attention soon turns to the individuals expected to change a match. In Greece’s Super League, that scrutiny will focus on selected players from the Big Four, not simply because they cost more or earn more, but because their influence should be immediately visible.

At Olympiacos, Panagiotis Retsos enters a fourth straight season as an undisputed starter and team captain. He has regained the trust of supporters and his coach and is expected to lead the defense. Gustavo Puerta, after a transfer saga, takes on the key box-to-box midfield role, with his energy, quality and composure under examination. Ayoub El Kaabi remains the main outlet for the team’s attacking efforts, although his form since the Africa Cup of Nations has affected his confidence. After scoring 60 goals in 94 appearances across his first two seasons, he dropped to 21 goals in 40 appearances last year. The challenge is to maintain at least that rate despite the passage of time.

Panathinaikos will rely heavily on Stefan de Vrij, who arrived at 34 and must organize an almost entirely new defense during Ingason’s lengthy injury absence. Azzedine Ounahi arrived as a potential savior for a midfield that needed one and could also play in an attacking midfield role. Andrija Jagusic carries the expectations attached to a “wonderkid” label, with supporters waiting to see him turn that promise into results.

At AEK, Razvan Marin must take full control of a midfield he partly directed last season and fill the gap left by Pineda’s departure. Lovro Majer faces a higher bar because of comparisons with Luka Modric. The article says that pressure can either overwhelm a player or produce the best version of him. The section on AEK begins to turn to Luka Jovic, but the supplied text ends before his assessment is completed.