He joined PAOK in 2012, coming from Promitheas Larissa, and in a span of two years he has managed to add his name to the list of those who are one step away from making to the senior squad. Achilleas Pouggouras signed his first professional contract.

“I wanted it, I expected it and I am very happy to see my dream realized”, Pouggouras said to paokfc.gr, adding: “Signing this contract is yet another step towards the desired direction. Nothing changes in my everyday efforts, but it’s a development that boosts me further to continue working”.

In recent years, a growing number of PAOK youngsters go all the way to the senior squad. The 19-year old defender knows that he will get his chance through work and refuses to stress about it: “Whether a player makes the most of the opportunities given or not, it’s entirely up to him. If one works at 100% each day and stays focused, they can achieve their goals”.

Pouggouras is a prominent member of PAOK U20s who kick off the defence of their title on Saturday against Platanias. “We have a young squad of high ambition and are eager to hit the ground. I believe we will do even better this season. We are not 100% ready at this point and we will need a while before the team get in synch, but we have high objectives”.