The talent of Ergys Kace and Stelios Kitsiou has transcended Greek borders and has been acknowledged abroad. Both sprang out of PAOK’s youth system and established themselves in the senior team. They are now considered among the best of Europe in their age group.

That is showcased in the analysis of Football Observatory of the International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES). In their monthly report issued on February and entitled «Talent scouting: an experience capital approach», CIES underlines the importance that participating in official encounters has in the future development of young players.

The report analyzes the experience level of players aged up to 23 and lists the most talented ones per age and assessment formula used by FIFA.

The report divides Europe’s 31 top leagues in three categories of potentiality: The Big 5 (Spain, England, Germany, Italy and France), the intermediate leagues (Belgium, Greece, Russia, Netherlands, Portugal, Turkey and Ukraine) and the stepping stone leagues.

In the U22 age group (players born in 1993), according to the assessment system applied in the report, Ergys Kace is the most promising talent in the defensive/central midfielder position. The name of Kace features alongside Juventus’ Paul Pogba who is considered the top talent in the Big 5 leagues.

As for Stelios Kitsiou, he is considered the second most talented player in a full-back position, behind Lucas Bijker of Dutch side SC Cambuur.