AEK Athens manager Marko Nikolic has consciously taken a risk in setting his European squad list by relying on a single natural right-back for upcoming international fixtures, according to club reporter Kostas Ketsetzoglou speaking on Greek sports broadcast The Football Show by Stoiximan on protothema.gr.
Ketsetzoglou explained that the Greek Super League side has not pursued transfers for the right-back position since last summer, leaving defender Lazaros Rota as the club's only recognized specialist in that role on the continent.
The reporter pointed to the omission of Bulgarian defender Martin Georgiev from AEK's European list as a major surprise, noting that Georgiev offers versatility as both a central defender and a right-back.
Following Georgiev's exclusion from the registered squad, Serbian midfielder Mijat Gacinovic stands as the sole remaining option to fill in for Rota during European matches.
Calculated defensive risk for European campaign
AEK Athens, based in the Greek capital, competes regularly in European club competitions organized by UEFA. Under UEFA regulations, participating clubs must submit an official squad registration list prior to group and knockout matches, restricting player eligibility to those named on the roster. Rota has served as AEK's primary choice at right-back, but the decision not to register additional cover leaves Nikolic dependent on tactical reshuffles when key defenders require rest or face suspension.
Ketsetzoglou also reviewed player performances from AEK's recent match against Greek club Nestos Chrysoupolis, emphasizing that the team displayed far greater seriousness and discipline than in comparable matches during the previous campaign.
Angolan forward Zini delivered an encouraging performance during the match, continuing a positive trend established late last season. Ketsetzoglou noted that Zini showed since last year that he possesses key qualities that can make valuable contributions to AEK's attacking play.
Midfield impact and playmaking progress
Honduran midfielder Alexander Arriaga also earned strong praise from Ketsetzoglou for his performance against Nestos Chrysoupolis. While Arriaga is widely known for his physical defensive presence and aggressive tackling, Ketsetzoglou noted that the midfielder demonstrated he can actively participate in building up play from deep positions alongside his defensive duties.
Ketsetzoglou delivered his analysis on protothema.gr's dedicated sports program as AEK prepares for its dual commitments across domestic league play and European competition under Nikolic.
