Dimitris Pelkas

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Dimitris Pelkas
SM-PAOK (13).jpg
Pelkas playing for PAOK in 2018
Personal information
Full name Dimitrios Pelkas[1]
Date of birth (1993-10-26) 26 October 1993 (age 28)
Place of birth Giannitsa, Greece
Height 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
Position(s) Attacking midfielder / Winger
Club information
Current team
 Fenerbahçe
Number 14
Youth career
2007–2012 PAOK
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2012–2020 PAOK 125 (21)
2013–2014 → Apollon Kalamarias (loan) 17 (7)
2014–2015 → Vitória Setúbal (loan) 24 (2)
2020– Fenerbahçe 52 (11)
National team‡
2011–2012 Greece U19 3 (0)
2012–2013 Greece U20 3 (0)
2013–2015 Greece U21 5 (0)
2015– Greece 24 (1)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 20 March 2022
‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 23:53, 14 November 2021 (UTC)

Dimitris Pelkas (Greek: Δημήτρης Πέλκας, born 26 October 1993) is a Greek professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Turkish club Fenerbahçe and the Greece national team.

Club career[]

PAOK[]

Pelkas made his club debut on the 2 August, against Bnei Yehuda in the Europa League coming on for Apostolos Giannou. He scored his first professional goal in the return leg against Bnei Yehuda in a 4–1 home win. He made his league debut for the club on the 3 September 2012 against Atromitos.

On 22 August 2013, Pelkas signed for a year contract with Apollon Kalamarias on loan from PAOK playing in the Football League. He has been among the top players of the club scoring 14 goals and making 10 assists.[2][3]

On 7 July 2014, Pelkas signed a new one-year contract with Vitória on loan from PAOK playing in Portuguese Primeira Liga.[4] Vitória guaranteed him playing time, and Pelkas in many games made the difference. Playing for Setubal, he heard that the Portuguese club will buy him against €350,000 and then sold him to Sporting for €1 million, but thankfully for PAOK that did not happen.[5] The young midfielder will get his opportunities, as pointed out by Vitória's manager Domingos Paciência at the newspaper «Metrosport». "I spoke with the president of PAOK Zisis Vryzas, and he told me that he (Pelkas) is a quality, talented player who needs time to show his abilities. At Vitória he will get his chances to show us what he's made of. The Portuguese league, as the Greek one has a lot of power and he must show us that he can handle it." [6]

On 27 July 2015, Pelkas has signed a new contract with PAOK, which will keep him in Toumba until 2018.[7]

His indisputable best professional year so far eventually attracted the interest of many clubs among that of Sporting that based on his previous performance with Vitória is very likely to proceed with the acquisition of the player for an initial amount of €1,5 million, even if his clause reaches the €5 million.[8] On 18 October 2015, Pelkas scored his first Superleague goal with PAOK for the 2015–16 season against Iraklis in a 3–3 away draw.[9] On 21 February 2016, he scored against rivals Panathinaikos helped his team to escape with a 2–2 away draw.[10] On 27 February 2016, he opened the score in a 2–0 home Superleague win against Asteras Tripolis.[11] On 8 December 2016, he scored his first goal for the 2016–17 season, in a crucial 2–0 home UEFA Europa League win against Slovan Liberec ensuring club's progress to the next round.[12] On 20 September 2017, Pelkas is undoubtedly the man of the match in the Greek Cup game of PAOK with Levadiakos with the Greek midfielder to fail in a penalty and a minute later to achieve a terrific goal.[13]

On 29 September 2017, Pelkas agreed to a contract extension with PAOK, until the summer of 2021.[14] On 30 September 2017, reached 100 appearances with the jersey of PAOK in all competitions.[15] On 27 August 2017, he scored his first goal for the 2017–18 season in a 3–1 home game, against Kerkyra. On 15 October 2017, he scored in a 4–0 home win game against Lamia.[16] On 10 December 2017, he scored a brace in a 4–0 home win game against rivals Panathinaikos.[17] On 14 January 2018, he scored in a 3–0 away win game against Kerkyra[18] On 3 February 2018, he opened the score in a crucial 3–1 away win against PAS Giannina, and PAOK remain in first place of the Superleague on the road to the title of 2017–18 season.[19] On 17 February 2018, after a frustrating first half, Pelkas opened the score in the 56th minute when a superb exchange of passes between Robert Mak, Maurício and Diego Biseswar ended with the latter teeing up international midfielder perfectly to slot home, secured yet another 2–0 win against Lamia for Răzvan Lucescu's unstoppable team, who only this week were named the world's top-ranked form team win 14 wins in a row in all competitions.[20] On 12 May 2018, a late Pelkas tap-in helped PAOK overcome AEK Athens to lift the Greek Cup at the Olympic Stadium in Athens after an enthralling final ended in a deserved 2–0 win for the Salonica club, as PAOK retain Greek Cup to wreck AEK's double dream.[21][22]

On 8 August 2018, Pelkas scored when José Ángel Crespo made an incredible pass for Léo Matos and the latter made enormous attempt by rolling back the ball to the penalty area with the Greek international pushing him to the net, in a 3–2 home win game for UEFA Champions League Third qualifying round, 1st leg against Spartak Moscow.[23] On 4 October 2018, he scored after an assist from Léo Jabá in a 4–1 away emphatic win against BATE Borisov in Belarus for UEFA Europa League Group stage.[24] On 18 February Pelkas opened the scoring in the fourth minute with a header following a precise free-kick from captain Vieirinha in a hammering 5–1 away win against Apollon Smyrnis in his rally to win the title after 34 years.[25] On 14 April 2019, PAOK's winger was in the right place and the right time to pick up possession from a poor Nikola Jakimovski clearance, and he returned the ball with interest into the top left corner of Ögmundur Kristinsson's net, opening the score in a 1–1 away draw game against AEL.[26]

At the beginning of 2019–20 season, Pelkas is one of PAOK's most experienced players within the squad, having made a total of 176 appearances for the Greek champions, which includes scoring 36 goals and providing 29 assists. The attacking midfielder played a crucial part in PAOK's quest for the double last season. The Greek international began the season as a consistent starter in newly appointed Portuguese manager Abel Ferreira's starting eleven. Pelkas, most comfortable playing as an attack-minded midfielder, was often played as the second striker behind either Chuba Akpom or Karol Świderski.[27] On 4 March 2020, he scored a brace helping PAOK complete an incredible Greek Cup comeback by coming from 2–0 down to beat Olympiacos 3–2 in the first leg semi-final home game.[28] Dimitris Pelkas’ midweek performance in the Greek Cup didn't go unnoticed at EA Sports after the Greek midfielder was rewarded with a FIFA 20 Man of the Match (MOTM) item for the game mode FIFA Ultimate Team.Pelkas received a special MOTM item in-game which sees the Greek international's in-game rating rise to 81 overall in the form of a commemorative card. Pelkas is the sixth Super League player to receive a commemorative card this season, joining the likes of Mathieu Valbuena, Youssef El Arabi (twice), Marko Livaja, Petros Mantalos, and Pape Abou Cissé.[29]

On 25 August 2020, Pelkas scored for 2020–21 UEFA Champions League qualifying phase and play-off round against Beşiktaş J.K. after Christos Tzolis assist.[30] On 22 September 2020, Pelkas scored by flicking Andrija Živković's ball past Matvei Safonov to give PAOK the lead as he missed an early penalty kick in a 2–1 away 2020–21 UEFA Champions League play-offs 1st leg loss against FC Krasnodar.[31]

Fenerbahçe[]

On 5 October 2020, Pelkas joined Fenerbahçe for three years, with an option to extend for another year for a transfer fee of approximate €1.6 million. In Turkey, the Greek international will have annual earnings of €1.2 million while PAOK will maintain a 20% resale rate.[32][33] On 18 October 2020, Pelkas scored in his debut with the club, after Ozan Tufan's assist, sealing a 3–2 away win against Göztepe S.K.[34] On 28 February 2021, Fenerbahce, thanks to a great long shot by Pelkas in the 76th minute, got the victory against Trabzonspor, in his club effort to win the championship.[35] On 18 April 2021, he scored the winning goal after Ozan Tufan's left-wing cross in the penalty area in a 2–1 away win against İstanbul Başakşehir F.K.[36]

During the first three months of the 2021–22 season, seems that Dimitris Pelkas will not stay in the ranks of Fenerbahçe for long. According to an article in the Cumhuriyet newspaper, the international midfielder is ready to leave the Turkish club, due to the match plan that his coach, Vitor Pereira, wants to implement.[37] On 26 December 2021, Dimitris Pelkas scored his first goal since the beginning of the 2021–22 season and contributed to Fenerbahce's 2–0 victory over Yeni Malatyaspor. The Greek midfielder came as a substitute in the second half in place of İrfan Kahveci and with a wonderful slalom in 73' sealing the final score.[38]

In January 2022, according to reports from the Turkish media, Fenerbahce is considering a proposal from Greece for Dimitris Pelkas. Pelkas had a great season in the 2020–21 season with her jersey Fenerbahce, as he scored eight times and shared seven assists in 34 games, but the season we are going through is not going so well. The international midfielder counts 19 games with “Fener” with only one goal and without sharing assists, in a total of 749 minutes. Fenerbahçe have already accepted proposals for his former football player PAOK, having received offers from Russia, Italy but also Hellas, but without naming the club that is interested in repatriating the international midfielder.[39] On 12 February 2022, he scored sealing an away 2-1 win game against Giresunspor,putting an end to a bad course of six games, without a victory. [40] On 17 February 2022, he scored after an assist from Ferdi Kadıoğlu in a 3-2 home loss against SK Slavia Prague for UEFA Europa Conference League. [41] On 20 March 2022, with a perfect fake right shot in the 88th minute, Dimitris Pelkas helped his club to prevail 2-1 over Konyaspor. [42]

International career[]

On 2 October 2015 Interim Greece coach Kostas Tsanas called up midfielder Dimitris Pelkas for the match against Northern Ireland and Hungary for UEFA Euro 2016. "All players dream of someday representing their country and I am happy for this opportunity. It is an honour for me," said Pelkas.[43] On 7 October 2015, he made his international debut as a substitute in the 3–1 away loss game against Northern Ireland. On 9 October 2021, he scored his first goal with Greek national team with a right footed shot from the right side of the box to the bottom right corner, sealing a vital 2–0 away win against Georgia, in its effort to qualify to the final phase of 2022 World Cup.[44]

Personal life[]

Pelkas' cousin, Vasilis, is also a professional footballer.

Career statistics[]

As of 20 March 2022.
Club Season League Cup Continental[A] Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
PAOK 2012–13 Superleague Greece 10 0 3 0 3 1 16 1
2015–16 32 4 7 3 10 2 49 9
2016–17 15 3 7 3 4 1 26 7
2017–18 23 8 10 4 3 0 36 12
2018–19 22 3 3 1 11 2 36 6
2019–20 19 3 4 4 4 0 27 7
2020–21 4 0 0 0 3 2 7 2
Total 125 21 34 15 38 8 197 44
Apollon Kalamarias (loan) 2013–14 Superleague Greece 2 17 7 1 0 0 0 18 7
Vitória Setúbal (loan) 2014–15 Primeira Liga 24 2 5 2 0 0 29 4
Fenerbahçe 2020–21 Süper Lig 32 7 2 1 0 0 34 8
2021–22 20 4 1 0 7 1 28 5
Total 52 11 3 1 7 1 62 13
Career total 218 41 43 18 45 9 306 68
List of international goals scored by Dimitris Pelkas
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 9 October 2021 Batumi Stadium, Batumi, Georgia  Georgia 2–0 2–0 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification

Honours[]

PAOK

Individual

References[]

  1. ^ "Dimitrios Pelkas". Turkish Football Federation. Retrieved 20 December 2020.
  2. ^ Στην Καλαμαριά ο Πέλκας! [Pelkas with Kalamaria]. skygoal.gr (in Greek). Archived from the original on 9 July 2014.
  3. ^ "Pelkas on loan to Apollon Kalamarias". paokfc.gr. archive.is. 23 August 2013. Archived from the original on 9 July 2014. Retrieved 11 September 2017.
  4. ^ Apostolos Pagonis (4 July 2016). Στη Σετούμπαλ ο Πέλκας [Pelkas with Setúbal]. gazzetta.gr (in Greek). Retrieved 11 September 2017.
  5. ^ Δημήτρης Πέλκας: Ζωή σαν παραμύθι [Dimitris Pelkas: Life is a fairytale]. www.sport24.gr (in Greek). Retrieved 11 September 2017.
  6. ^ Πασιένσια: "Θα παίξει στη Σετούμπαλ ο Πέλκας" [Paciência: "I will play for Setúbal Pellas"]. Yahoo!. archive.is. 6 July 2014. Archived from the original on 9 July 2014. Retrieved 11 September 2017.
  7. ^ "Pelkas signs new contract with PAOK". www.sdna.gr. 27 July 2015. Retrieved 11 September 2017.[permanent dead link]
  8. ^ ""Ζεστή" για Πέλκα η Σπόρτινγκ!". www.sdna.gr (in Greek). 16 October 2015. Retrieved 11 September 2017.
  9. ^ Φοβερό ματς στο Καυτανζόγλειο, 3-3 ο Ηρακλής με τον ΠΑΟΚ! [Wonderful match in Kafantzoglio, Hercules 3-3 PAOK!]. www.sport24.gr (in Greek). 18 October 2015. Retrieved 11 September 2017.
  10. ^ Ilias Kallonas (21 February 2016). Παναθηναϊκός - ΠΑΟΚ 2-2 [Panathinaikos - PAOK 2-2]. www.contra.gr (in Greek). Retrieved 11 September 2017.
  11. ^ "PAOK return to victories against Asteras Tripolis". www.sdna.gr. 27 February 2016. Retrieved 11 September 2017.
  12. ^ "PAOK Liberec 2-0". www.uefa.com. 8 December 2016. Retrieved 11 September 2017.
  13. ^ "ΠΑΟΚ-Λεβαδειακός 2-1: Βρίσκει ρυθμό". www.onsports.gr. 20 September 2017. Retrieved 24 September 2017.
  14. ^ "Ανανέωσαν με τον ΠΑΟΚ οι Πέλκας και Κουλούρης". www.sport24.gr. 29 September 2017.
  15. ^ "Η κρούση του Κονσεϊσάο στον Πέλκα!". www.sport24.gr. 30 September 2017.
  16. ^ "ΠΑΟΚ χωρίς άγχος, άνετα 4-0 την ��αμία". www.sport24.gr. 15 October 2017.
  17. ^ "ΠΑΟΚ vs Παναθηναικος 4-0". www.newsit.gr. 10 December 2017.
  18. ^ "Κέρκυρα - ΠΑΟΚ 0-3" (in Greek). www.gazzetta.gr. 14 January 2018.
  19. ^ "ΠΑΣ Γιάννινα - ΠΑΟΚ 1-3". www.gazzetta.gr. 3 February 2018.
  20. ^ "Έσπασε το μπλόκο της Λαμίας, 2-0 ο ΠΑΟΚ". www.sport24.gr. 17 February 2018.
  21. ^ "Ανώτερος και Κυπελλούχος ο ΠΑΟΚ, 2-0 την ΑΕΚ". www.sport24.gr. 12 May 2018.
  22. ^ "Το σήκωσε ο ΠΑΟΚ στο ΟΑΚΑ της φωτιάς γιατί το άξιζε..." contra.gr. 12 May 2018.
  23. ^ "Μεγάλη Ανατροπή για τον ΠΑΟΚ 3-2 επί της Σπάρτακ στη Τούμπα". www.voria.gr. 8 August 2018.
  24. ^ "Μπάτε Μπορίσοφ - ΠΑΟΚ 1-4". www.gazzetta.gr. 4 October 2018.
  25. ^ "Απόλλων - ΠΑΟΚ 1-5: Καθάρισε σε 33' και καλπάζει για το πρωτάθλημα". www.sport24.gr. 18 February 2019.
  26. ^ "ΑΕΛ-ΠΑΟΚ 1-1". www.onsports.gr. 14 April 2019.
  27. ^ "ΠΑΟΚ: Ο πολύτιμος Δημήτρης Πέλκας". www.sport24.gr. 31 July 2019.
  28. ^ "ΠΑΟΚ - Ολυμπιακός 3-2: Ματσάρα, ανατροπή και όλα ανοιχτά". www.sport24.gr. 4 March 2020.
  29. ^ "FIFA 20 Man of the Match (MOTM) Players". www.fifplay.com.
  30. ^ "ΠΑΟΚ - ΟΦΗ 3-1: Με ανατροπή στις καθυστερήσεις". www.sport24.gr. 20 June 2020. Retrieved 22 June 2020.
  31. ^ "Κρασνοντάρ - ΠΑΟΚ 2-1: Έχασε, αλλά δεν χάθηκε". www.sport24.gr. 22 September 2020. Retrieved 22 September 2020.
  32. ^ "ΠΑΟΚ: Στη Φενερμπαχτσέ ο Πέλκας με 1,5 εκ. ευρώ!". www.sportime.gr. 5 October 2020. Retrieved 5 October 2020.
  33. ^ "Dimitris Pelkas Fenerbahçemizde". www.fenerbahce.org. 5 October 2020. Retrieved 5 October 2020.
  34. ^ "Göztepe - Fenerbahçe maç sonucu: 2-3". www.fanatik.com.tr. 18 October 2020. Retrieved 18 October 2020.
  35. ^ "Τραμπζονσπόρ - Φενέρμπαχτσε 0-1: Με γκολάρα ο Πέλκας νίκησε τον Μπακασέτα". www.sport24.gr. 28 February 2021. Retrieved 28 February 2021.
  36. ^ "Başakşehir - Fenerbahçe: 1-2". www.milliyet.com.tr. 18 April 2021.
  37. ^ "Πέλκας: "Φεύγει από τη Φενέρμπαχτσε λόγω Περέιρα"". www.gazzetta.gr. 2 November 2021.
  38. ^ "Φενέρμπαχτσε - Γενί Μαλάτιασπορ 2-0: Στην 4η θέση με γκολ του Πέλκα". www.sport24.gr. 26 December 2021.
  39. ^ "Τελειώνει ο Πέλκας από τη Φενέρμπαχτσε!". www.to10.gr. 21 January 2022.
  40. ^ "Giresunspor - Fenerbahçe maç sonucu: 1-2". www.fanatik.com.tr. 12 February 2022.
  41. ^ "Fenerbahçe - Slavia Prag maç sonucu: 2-3". www.fanatik.com.tr. 26 December 2021.
  42. ^ "Φενέρμπαχτσε-Κόνιασπορ 2-1: Νικητήριο γκολ από τον Πέλκα στο ντέρμπι". www.novasports.gr. 20 March 2022.
  43. ^ "Με Πέλκα η Εθνική κόντρα σε Β. Ιρλανδία - Ουγγαρία" [Pelkas and the National Division will play against Northern Ireland and Hungary]. www.sport24.gr (in Greek). 2 October 2015. Retrieved 11 September 2017.
  44. ^ "Γεωργία – Ελλάδα 0-2 : Λύτρωση στο +5". www.novasports.gr (in Greek). 9 October 2021. Retrieved 9 October 2021.

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