Patience is an underrated… super power. It requires introspection, self-confidence –therefore lack of insecurity – and craziness. Alexandros Paschalakis had to learn the hard way. He beat his demons in the shadows and, when his opportunity came, he took it with both hands and stepped forward into the light.

It took him a long time before he was able to showcase his undeniable talent. He went through the youth ranks of AEK Athens and Olympiakos, then through trials at Galatasaray SK. He signed for Levadiakos and featured in just one match for them. He was properly introduced to football fans at the age of 26, defending Panthrakikos’s goal. And he attracted the interest of football fans as member of PAS Giannina’s squad, with an impressive display in Toumba Stadium –in the venue where he would establish himself later as the best goalkeeper in the Super League.

As stated before, Paschalakis had the necessary craziness (even more than needed…) and self-confidence, the inner strength to be patient and wait for the right opportunity.

Toumba was the stage where he proved his worth: a charismatic goalkeeper, a strong personality, a guarantee for PAOK’s future. He will remain here until 2022…