The case of Youssef Atal that was examined shows the file of transfer efforts to priority positions

Matias Almeida is a coach and a personality who will publicly fall under the fire to defend the group of footballers he works with every day. He will not give the truth to the slightest thing said, but on the contrary, he will rush to cover it up and destroy his belief in it.

This is obviously the very correct approach, but it is also the work that takes place behind the curtain. Behind him, there is no team or technician in the world that does not read weak points with the aim of making everything better and more efficient. This is only achieved through quality upgrades.

The big ask for the Etihad in light of the next transfer moves they make – whether now in January or later in the summer – is to lower the average roster age. The response to football at Almeida requires a much larger number of players than currently available, aged 28 or under.

The case of Algerian right-back Youssef Atal is typical. The energetic international defender – key to his country's progress so far in the African Cup – has been offered to AEK, as he is on loan from second-placed French champions, Nice.

He is 27 years old, has made 115 appearances, scored 12 goals and provided 8 assists in Ligue 1, and is undoubtedly an exceptional case for a Greek team. Although it is difficult, he is the second right-back in the team and was awarded on non-competitive grounds.

Younger players, good resumes and priorities

It is clear that the difficulty that AEK faces in settling on footballers that satisfy Almeida in order to give the green light to include them, also lies in the profiles that the team is looking for. The players are of good age, with appearances in leagues that “count”. This is how you level up, this is how you move forward.

It is difficult for Attal to come to Greece, as he wants to stay in France. He has been vetted by the federation, and is clearly impressed with his profile, but it does not appear to be a situation in which he can move forward. However, it shows the path AEK are trying to take in order to better support Almeyda's style, the football he represents and a clear attitude towards everyone about how his team wants to play.

Furthermore, the club's transfer priorities have overtaken the need for a left-back, which will likely be filled in the summer. The same applies to the right-back position, unless there is a super situation like the one mentioned above, in January.

At this stage, a player who will play as an outside left position and perhaps an additional midfielder, seems more desirable. AEK are trying to make at least one addition by the end of this month, but they could remain as they are until the end of the season.

Youssef Atal at work