Thomas Strakosha’s move to AEK Athens made headlines in both Greece and abroad. Transfers from the Premier League to the Greek Super League are rare, and the buzz surrounding his arrival was immense. The Albanian international, who had previously guarded the posts in England’s top tier, was expected to be a commanding presence between the sticks for AEK. But with high expectations inevitably comes heightened pressure—and Strakosha has recently found himself at the center of scrutiny.
A string of costly errors led to Strakosha being benched, with Italian goalkeeper Alberto Brignoli stepping in as the new starter. This decision has not gone unnoticed by the Greek media, particularly the outlet Koubanezos, which has openly criticized Strakosha’s performances.
"Thomas Strakosha has never justified his salary," the media outlet wrote bluntly. "His displays for AEK are nowhere near the level expected of a goalkeeper earning €1.5 million annually. Recently, he has lost his spot on the team and now sits on the bench."
Despite his recent form, Strakosha had enjoyed the unwavering support of AEK manager Matías Almeyda, who reportedly believed in the keeper more than any other player in his squad. However, the turning point came after a disappointing loss to Olympiacos in the Greek Cup. Strakosha started that match but hasn’t returned to the starting lineup since.
What adds nuance to the situation is the revelation that Strakosha was playing under difficult circumstances. According to the Greek press, he had been battling a virus in the days leading up to the match and had missed several training sessions as a result. Nevertheless, he chose to play—possibly to help the team, or perhaps to hold onto his place—but the outcome may have backfired.
The road ahead for Strakosha at AEK remains uncertain. Whether he can reclaim his position and prove his worth remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the pressure is on, and the expectations have never been higher.