Newcastle United fans watching international football this weekend may have been shocked to see one of their own turning in a performance of the highest order against Scotland.
Scotland went into the international break knowing they needed to get a result against Greece to secure their place at next year’s World Cup.
That didn’t go to plan and they’ll now have to win against Denmark on Tuesday night. Plenty of Newcastle United fans won’t be too concerned with Scotland’s fate, but they will have been very impressed by what they saw from Greece.
That’s because Odysseas Vlachodimos, one of the many Newcastle players on international duty this month, played an absolute blinder to win his country the game, and maybe give Eddie Howe food for thought, too.
Odysseas Vlachodimos prevents crucial Scotland goal
Greece managed to get themselves 3-0 up by the hour-mark and even after a brave fightback from Scotland, Steve Clarke’s side still came away with nothing from the game.
It was a bit of a null and void result for Greece, given they’re already unable to qualify for the World Cup. But, the win can all be attributed to the efforts of Vlachodimos in goal; namely, for an incredible save to deny Scott McTominay an equaliser.
Taking to Twitter/X, lots of Scotland fans were begrudgingly praising the Greek goalkeeper for his role in the win.
One wrote, “Of all the storylines that one has been the most under-repeated. Their keeper was unbelievable,” while another said, “Odysseas Vlachodimos, good goalkeeper.”
Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie really felt the impact of the Newcastle United man, writing: “Odysseas Vlachodimos breaking my Scottish heart tonight! The Newcastle outcast with some wonder saves for Greece!”
Other Scotland fans said, “Vlachodimos had a fantastic game,” and added, “The man who prevents Scotland from turning round a three-goal deficit in Athens with an exceptional goalkeeping performance? Most notorious of all Premier League PSR transfers, Odysseas Vlachodimos.”
Others wrote, “Vlachodimos having an absolute stormer in this Greece – Scotland game,” and “Crazy save by Vlachodimos.”
He may not have a role in the Newcastle first-team squad, but Vlachodimos certainly won some admirers with his performance this weekend, clearly.
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Should Vlachodimos be given a chance at Newcastle United?
Will Eddie Howe be one of those to notice this display from the goalkeeper he has never really given a chance? Vlachodimos has just one appearance for the Magpies, and is currently out on loan at Sevilla.
Vlachodimos got off to a good start in Spain, too. The Spanish media have praised Vlachodimos for his work against Barcelona, most notably, and he certainly looks like he’s found a good home out there.
However, the path for the Greek goalkeeper on Tyneside appears blocked. Nick Pope is the number one man when fit, while Aaron Ramsdale has won over the fans.
Southampton want big money for Ramsdale, so he might not end up staying at Newcastle. But, the Magpies have been offered Marc-Andre ter Stegen, so it’s unlikely Vlachodimos will ever return.
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