Konstantinos Koulierakis is a highly skilled 21-year-old Greek center-back whose rise in European football has been nothing short of impressive. A product of the PAOK Saloniki academy, he progressed rapidly to make his senior debut at just 18 years old in August 2022. Throughout more than 70 appearances in domestic and international competitions, Koulierakis showcased his massive potential in Saloniki earning a €12 million move to VfL Wolfsburg in the summer. Under manager Ralph Hasenhüttl, he has quickly cemented his place as an undisputed starter in a Wolfsburg side pushing for the European places.

On the international stage, Koulierakis has also become a vital figure in a rejuvenated Greek national team. He has started all but one of Greece’s UEFA Nations League matches, including a full 90 minutes in a memorable 2-1 victory over England at Wembley.

His stellar performances for both club and country have not gone unnoticed. European giants such as Juventus, AC Milan, and Borussia Dortmund are reportedly keen on the rising star, whose future is definitely amongst the top clubs in European football.

Injury History

No notable injuries that should have an impact on his value or future potential.

Player Style

Konstantinos Koulierakis is a Stopper. He is a no-nonsense centre-back who concentrates mostly on his defensive duties and makes many key tackles and clearances for his team. He is a hard-tackling and tenacious player, but has certain limitations in possession phases.

Player Model: Radu Drăgușin

Strengths

Highly Impressive Front-Footed Defender

Konstantinos Koulierakis shines as a proactive, front-footed defender. His timing in challenges is consistently precise, and he approaches duels with unwavering conviction, frequently winning possession cleanly in advanced areas. This quality is particularly impressive, as it enables his team to capitalize on expansive opponents by launching swift counter-attacks.

Intelligent & Forward-Thinking Defender

Koulierakis exhibits exceptional defensive intelligence, not only in his well-timed, front-footed duels but also across all phases of defense. He consistently anticipates play, positioning his body optimally to neutralize threats and preemptively shut down dangerous situations with remarkable awareness.

Excellent Agility

Koulierakis demonstrates exceptional agility and explosive power over short distances, allowing him to cover ground quickly and effectively both in and out of possession.

Dominant Aerial Dueler

Standing at 1.88m, Koulierakis may not be the tallest center-back, but he more than compensates with his confidence and determination in aerial duels. He excels in physical battles against robust center-forwards, using his strength and timing to consistently come out on top. Additionally, he poses a notable threat during set pieces, contributing effectively to his team's attacking phases.

Solid, Driven Line-Breaking Passing

While Koulierakis may not serve as a primary playmaker in possession, he demonstrates reliable ground-passing technique. He possesses the ability to break opposition lines with precision, often finding central midfielders in advanced creative zones. Unlocking this aspect of his game more consistently will be crucial, but his technical proficiency in these scenarios is undeniably evident.

⭐Pure Conviction in Defensive Duels

Koulierakis exudes bravery and fearlessness in defensive situations, embodying the qualities of a dominant defender. The Greek international thrives on the challenge of winning duels and takes genuine satisfaction in helping his team secure clean sheets. He displays a level of maturity beyond his years, combining ruthlessness with a no-nonsense approach. Koulierakis commands the penalty area with authority and decisiveness, consistently opting for safe and effective solutions in his defensive third, avoiding unnecessary risks that could endanger his side.

Share

Weaknesses

Limited Turning Mobility & Directional Shifts

Koulierakis boasts impressive agility and vertical explosiveness, but he faces some limitations in his turning mobility and ability to execute quick directional changes. His compact, powerful frame can occasionally hinder the fluidity required for highly shifty movements.

Conservative In-Possession Approach

Koulierakis adopts a highly conservative approach in possession, often refraining from attempting line-breaking actions through ball carries or progressive passing. While this cautious style minimizes errors and can complement a more expansive center-back partner, it does limit his contribution to advancing play.

That said, Koulierakis has a strong technical foundation, indicating significant potential for further development in this area. At times, he shows the ability to deliver consistent ball-playing quality, suggesting that with continued growth, he has the potential to elevate his game to a higher level (below).

Struggles Under Direct Opposition Pressure

Koulierakis can struggle when faced with intense opposition pressure, often appearing uncharacteristically flustered. In such situations, his conservative tendencies can lead to rushed, long-range clearances that lack direction and conviction, limiting his ability to retain possession effectively.

⭐Poor Long-Range Passing Technique & Assessment.

Koulierakis’ most notable weakness lies in his long-range passing technique and decision-making. He often over-hits passes or fails to accurately find his target, with his judgment on when to attempt such passes frequently falling short. For instance, he may attempt a long ball toward a tightly marked teammate or opt for a challenging vertical pass beyond the opponent’s backline, where execution demands near-perfect precision. This aspect of his game requires significant improvement if he is to meet the demands of a high-possession outfit in the future.

GRADING

Current Ability

A club/level of club where the player has the qualities to play at least 70% of available minutes right now.

3/10 - A Starting Player in a Europa League Contestant from One of Europe’s Top 5 Leagues

• Eintracht Frankfurt

• Olympique Lyon

• Real Sociedad

Potential Ability

A club/level of club where the player has the qualities to play at least 70% of available minutes at his career peak.

9/10 - An Outsider for Domestic & International Silverware

• Atletico Madrid

• AC Milan

• Borussia Dortmund

OVERVIEW

Konstantinos Koulierakis has been one of the most impressive summer signings in the Bundesliga, playing a substantial role for a Wolfsburg side that is amongst the major contenders for European football this season.

Koulierakis’ incredible defensive qualities are what immediately stand out in his game. Koulierakis shows a clear passion and commitment to his defensive duties, excelling as a front-footed defender with sharp timing and relentless tenacity in duels. Koulierakis is also strong in aerial duels and has a solid technical base with decent ground-passing ability.

However, to elevate his game to the next level, Koulierakis must improve his ball-playing skills. His long-range passing often lacks precision and timing, and he tends to adopt a conservative, risk-averse approach in possession. While this cautious style isn't necessarily a flaw, top-tier clubs typically expect more playmaking and progressive elements from their center-backs. This means Koulierakis would likely need a more progressive, ball-playing partner in defense to provide this output.

Given his age and potential for growth, these areas can certainly be developed. With his innate qualities, Koulierakis has the potential to thrive at an elite club in the future and become a key figure in what promises to be a very exciting generation of Greek football.

By upgrading to a premium subscription, you support my mission to provide high-quality football coverage available to everyone. I offer the German Football Weekly without a paywall, ensuring all football fans can access it, no matter their financial situation. However, if you can spare a few dollars a month, your support will help me maintain ad-free, independent journalism and continue delivering top-notch insights. Thank you for making a difference!