Pavlidis praises Meerdink's growth during press conference in Thessaloniki

On Wednesday evening, Vangelis Pavlidis, the 27‑year‑old Greek striker of Benfica, spoke at a press conference in Thessaloniki about the development of his former AZ teammate Mexx Meerdink, now a 23‑year‑old lead striker of the Dutch club. Pavlidis said he was impressed by Meerdink's progress and looked forward to their meeting on Thursday evening.

Common roots at AZ

Pavlidis and Meerdink played together at AZ, where the 23‑year‑old is now the lead striker. The Greek forward represents Benfica, while Meerdink continues to serve the Dutch club.

On Thursday evening the two forwards will meet in Thessaloniki, Pavlidis's birthplace. He indicated that he is looking forward to the clash.

“I know Mexx from my time at AZ. I am impressed by his development as a striker and I hope he continues like this,” Pavlidis said. He emphasized that Meerdink's progress is an example for young strikers.

“When he joined us, he was eighteen years old, had just won the Youth League and was already showing his qualities. Now he is a regular starter and plays for the national team, but that does not surprise me.” Pavlidis gave this picture of Meerdink's growth since his youth.

Meerdink has, after two caps for the Netherlands national team, two goals to his name. Pavlidis has so far earned 59 caps for Greece, in which he has scored ten goals and provided six assists.