West Ham United defender Konstantinos Mavropanos helped Greece secure a 2-1 victory over Serbia in their Nations League opener at the Rajko Mitic Stadion on Thursday.
The 26-year-old, who has been a key performer for Nuno Espirito Santo at club level, was handed his 43rd international cap by Ivan Jovanovic.
Mavropanos and Greece endured a shaky start, falling behind after just four minutes, but recovered impressively to take all three points in Belgrade.
A key part of that recovery was a disciplined defensive display, with Greece conceding just five shots from the half-hour mark to full time.
Mavropanos misplaced just three of his 73 passes, was typically assured in possession, and won two of his three ground duels, although he was less successful in the air, winning just two of seven aerial duels.
The ‘aggressive’ centre-back also recorded two successful dribbles, two interceptions, and three clearances.
In keeping with his attacking form this season – having scored or assisted in five of his last six games before the international break – Mavropanos could have added to his tally early in the second half, spurning two golden opportunities to score in quick succession.
Although Mavropanos was substituted three minutes before Anastasios Douvikas netted the winner, there is no denying the West Ham defender enjoyed a fine outing.
With two matches against Germany and a meeting with the Netherlands on the horizon, tougher tests await Mavropanos and his international teammates in their Nations League campaign.