PAOK’s two away games against Panathinaikos explained in the most impressive way why Razvan Lucescu insisted so much on taking over from Nelson Oliveira in the summer of 2021.

In fact, the Portuguese striker is the only footballer to have been asked by name by the Romanian coach in his second – and presumably his first – tenure at PAOK.

The work done by Oliveira in the two games against Panathinaikos, in which he scored just one goal – and that from the penalty spot -, had two posts and plenty of finishes showed exactly what Lucescu meant when he argued when there is a striker , who he can do the job he wants on the pitch, he is none other than the Portuguese.

He emerged victorious in almost every duel he had with one of the Panathinaikos centre-backs who opposed him. He had impressive possession and breaks for his teammates and helped create space for his team’s midfielders.

His collaboration with Constantelia is impeccable

With the perfect partnership he has found with Yiannis Konstantelias since Louchesku brought the young midfielder close to the Portuguese, PAOK has become very prolific in creating phases and is very difficult to deal with.

Oliveira’s performances have rightly caused many to wonder how different PAOK’s course would have been over the past 18 months had he not suffered such a serious injury before the start of last year’s championship.

What does the future of the 31-year-old striker look like? His contract expires in the summer but it’s more than a given that Lucescu will suggest staying at Toumba for years to come.

Lucescu wants players who support his plan

After all, the PAOK coach has shown that he insists to the last on footballers who, like Oliveira, support his plan on the pitch, and the examples of this are numerous. The problem is that the administration will try to implement the coach’s proposal from a financial point of view.

The Portuguese, who already justified the reputation as a tough negotiator during talks about his move to PAOK, currently has one of the biggest contracts in Dikefalo.

The goal is for the Portuguese striker to stay in Toumba for a long time

Talks to extend the contract have not yet started and are expected to take place at the end of the season. What is certain is that Oliveira suits PAOK and the team that Razvan Lucescu wants to build is a perfect match for the Portuguese striker.

The cooperation of both sides is flawless despite the difficulties that have arisen for both of them due to his serious injury and logically the wish to continue the cooperation is shared.

Perhaps the striker who will flank Oliveira will play an important role in the development of things, the search for him has already been started by the PAOK people.