Dessers praised for ‘carrying’ Panathinaikos after Volos winner

Cyriel Dessers has been praised for his growing influence at Panathinaikos after his goal secured a 1-0 win over Volos in the Greek Super League on Sunday.

The Nigeria international struck in the 46th minute at the Panthessaliko Stadium, converting Andreas Tetteh’s assist in rainy conditions to give Panathinaikos all three points.

The victory maintained the Greens’ strong start to the season, with Panathinaikos top of the Greek Super League on 21 points from eight matches. They have also won both of their opening games in the UEFA Conference League league phase.

Dessers has now scored nine goals in 14 appearances in all competitions, making him Panathinaikos’ leading scorer this season.

The striker had already played an important part in the club’s route into the Conference League league phase during qualifying. He scored the winning goals against CSKA 1948 and Hradec Kralove, before adding three goals in the competition’s league phase.

Greek journalist Tasos Nikologiannis said Dessers’ contribution went beyond his goals, arguing that the forward had become central to Panathinaikos’ domestic and European campaigns.

“He took the team on his shoulders and is carrying it both in Europe and in the championship,” Nikologiannis told Sport FM Greece.

“The goal he scored in Volos from a very good assist by Tetteh is not simple.”

Dessers’ latest decisive performance further underlined his role in Panathinaikos’ unbeaten-looking start to the campaign, with his goals helping the club lead the Greek Super League and make a perfect start to their Conference League league-phase campaign.