Some notes on Spurs loanee Anthony Georgiou’s performance against Villarreal CF B:

Spurs loanee Anthony Georgiou completed 45 minutes of Atlético Levante’s 3-1 league defeat to Villarreal CF B on Saturday afternoon in the Spanish Segunda Division B Group III. Georgiou put in yet another impressive performance for the ‘ Granotas ‘ and I was quite frankly puzzled as to why he was withdrawn at half time, as Anthony was without doubt Levante’s most dangerous attacking player during the first half with his many purposeful runs down the left flank. Unless of course he picked up an injury of some sort during the first half then the substitution in which head coach Luis Tevenet made didn’t make any sense. Levante were simply outplayed by a far more technical and quicker opposition in Villarreal today and they couldn’t cope with how quickly Villarreal moved the ball around the park, and how they attacked the Levante defence. However, I thought that Georgiou’s performance was the one shining light from the first half. Anthony started the game out on the left wing as Luis Tevenet’s side lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. The opposition hogged possession during the opening stages of the game and this meant that Anthony became isolated out on the left flank, and he was unable to impact the game during the opening 15 minutes of it. Anthony’s first meaningful involvement occurred around the 17 minute mark after Georgiou received Blesa’s cross down the left side of the Villarreal box. Georgiou connected with the ball with his head after managing to hold off a Villarreal defender, but his header was directed straight at Villarreal goalkeeper Joan who managed to hold Georgiou’s effort. A couple of minutes later Anthony was given the ball by Blesa out on the left wing. Georgiou did a couple of step overs before whipping the ball into the Villarreal box where he aimed to pick out Cantero, but his cross ended up going behind for a goal kick. Around five minutes later Anthony did some good tracking back in order to get in front of Iván deep inside the Levante half before winning a free kick after the Villarreal man tripped him from behind, down the left flank. About five minutes later Anthony received Joan’s pass out on the left flank. The Cyprus international then sped forward down the left flank, passing Villarreal fullback Andrei before sending a low drilled cross into the danger zone, but it was cleared away by Roger. 

After Cantero conceded a penalty kick Villarreal took the lead in the 27th minute of the game. Shortly after the restart Rulo played the ball down the line to Anthony on the left flank. The 22 year old surged past Andrei before attempting to cut the ball back to Pepelu on the edge of the Villarreal box however, Victor was on hand to clear it away from danger. Energetic and constantly on the move, Anthony continued to look for openings in the Villarreal defence. After Pepelu had passed the ball to Anthony down the left side of the Villarreal box, Georgiou tried to sort his feet out but he was closed down and intercepted well by Andrei. Levante’s Pablo Serrano scored an unfortunate own goal to double the visitors advantage shortly before halftime. I was extremely puzzled as to why Anthony was withdrawn at halftime today however, all that matters is how Anthony performed and I thought that he gave another really good account of himself under testing conditions. With his intelligent off the ball movement, ability to get in and behind the Villarreal right back Andrei, and his many surging forward runs offered Levante options which they so desperately needed. 

Anthony Georgiou for Atlético Levante this season:

Appearances: 10

Goals: 1

Assists: 0