1. Sotirios Kyrgiakos has been one of the star performers for Liverpool so far this season culminating in the defender receiving the award for the Standard Chartered LFC Player of the Month for October.
But what have football followers made of his impact back home in Greece?
We spoke to one of the country's most prominent sports journalists, Christos Sotirakopoulos - columnist for the biggest selling sports paper SPORTDAY and commentator for MEGA CHANNEL - to get the view from the big No.16's homeland.
2. Soto has been in superb form for Liverpool recently - what have you made of his contribution to the Reds' cause back in Greece?
His performances this year have really impressed everyone but it was this sort of commanding display that made him a regular in the national team for eight years. Many people that have followed him from the start of his career would have expected that once he was given a run of games in the first team. We knew he would soon become a favourite with the fans because he puts in 100 per cent every game. His all or nothing tackles remind you of commanding centre backs of old.
3. Were you always confident he would be a success in England?
The Greek League is of a much slower tempo to that of the Barclays Premier League and therefore centre backs don't often have to have as much pace as they do in England. Furthermore, Greek centre forwards tend to be powerhouses as opposed to being quick and skilful. But he has tweaked his game slightly in recent years following his experiences in Scotland and Germany. He has learnt to use his strength to counter the threat posed by fast players by simply out-powering them and making his presence known and felt.
4. Roy Hodgson recently spoke about how impressed he has been by Soto's heading ability. Has he always had a knack for chipping in with goals?
Heading has always been his main strength but not necessarily in terms of scoring goals. His heading ability in attack and defence has been a weapon in every team that he has played for, whether it means clearing a cross in his area, or towering his way above the opposition at the other end. His height and natural strength have aided him in this and he has used it exceptionally well.
5. Is the best still to come from Soto?
That is a question that only time can answer. I hope so, as his performances have grown each time he has pulled on a red shirt.
6. Has Soto's move to Liverpool increased Greek interest in the Reds and the Barclays Premier League in general?
It probably has but Liverpool were already a very popular team in Greece with tens of thousands of supporters. The Barclays Premier League is one of the best, if not THE best league in the world and for that reason alone it is held in high regard by us Greeks.
7. Was there a sense of disappointment amongst Greece supporters that he retired from international duty?
When any country loses a player with over 60 caps, you must wonder if the experience and his undoubted presence can be replaced. Having said that, there is a very high quality of young centre backs coming through and I firmly believe in giving youth a chance. He is a loss but so far the others have performed well in the Euro qualifiers.
8. What are your own personal dealings with Soto?
I have followed him since he came through the ranks to feature for Panathinaikos's first-team in 2001-2002. It was a season when the Greek team reached the quarter finals of the UEFA Champions League. His presence against the forwards of Arsenal, Schalke, Mallorca, Real Madrid, Porto and Barcelona were so impressive that he instantly stood out. I remember saying in many of my commentaries that one day he will move to a much better league. I am glad he made it because he had a career threatening injury in 2003 which saw him out for a long period of time. Now he appears to be back to his best.
9. How is he remembered for his displays during his time in the Greek league?
He is remembered for much the same performances as he is putting in for LFC at the moment - powerful and resilient displays that get the fans behind the team and make opposition forwards think twice about dwelling on the ball.
10. Where does he rank amongst the greatest of Greek players? Has his star risen since moving to Anfield?
He is undoubtedly one of our best central defenders and I think his share in the football stock market has risen enormously since he joined LFC. His continuing form suggests he could be around for some time still.
11. What would he have added to the Euro 2004 winning side?
This is one question that I am afraid I do not know how to answer. At first it was thought of as a massive loss. As it turned out however, Greece stunned the world and went on to win without him. Whether it would have been the same ending had he not missed the competition I do not know. Greece could have won the Euro as they did, or they could have lost all three games in the group stages and come home 'early'. You just never know.
12. And finally, just a quick word on the growing number of ex-Reds in Greece - what are your views on them?
Djibril Cisse almost single-handedly won the double for Panathinaikos last season, so it is an understatement to say that he is a big success. It's too early to judge Nemeth and Plessis and it's the same with Albert Riera, though the fans expect a lot from him in Olympiacos. Sebastian Leto has been an instant hit with both Olympiakos and Panathinaikos, winning back to back league titles, and Luis Garcia is showing glimpses of his talent with the current champions.
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