Sotiris Balafas
 |
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| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 19 August 1986 | ||
| Place of birth | Arta, Greece | ||
| Height | 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) | ||
| Playing position | Defensive Midfielder, Centre back | ||
| Club information | |||
|
Current team
|
Veria | ||
| Number | 25 | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2003–2005 | Anagennisi Artas | 21 | (2) |
| 2005–2012 | PAOK | 108 | (7) |
| 2009 | → PAS Giannina (loan) | 11 | (0) |
| 2010 | → Ergotelis (loan) | 8 | (0) |
| 2012–2014 | Hoverla | 42 | (3) |
| 2014– | Veria | 40 | (4) |
| National team | |||
| 2006–2009 | Greece U21 | 13 | (1) |
| * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 18 March 2017. |
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Sotiris Balafas (Greek: Σωτήρης Μπαλάφας; born 19 August 1986 in Arta) is a Greek footballer who plays for Veria in Greek Super League, as a defensive midfielder. He is a defensive midfielder known for his defensive awareness, his tackling and heading skills as well as his pace and strength.
Balafas started his career in Anagennisi Artas and became an integral part of the team at very young age. He was mostly performing the duties of a centre back in his old club in contrast to his later role at PAOK.
In the summer of 2005 he was picked up by PAOK for a transfer fee of 80,000 Euros. After a while he became a first-team option. In the 2007–2008 season he was the first choice defensive midfielder for most of the season and was cooperating well with newcomer Ricardo Matias Verón.
Holding a secondary role in Fernando Santos's plans for the 2009–2010 season, Balafas agreed during the pre-season to move on loan to the newly promoted PAS Giannina for one year. It was reported that the main reason for his choice to play for a minor club, was the possibility to work again with his mentor Georgios Paraschos.
During the 2011-12 season, after a lot of injuries among more senior players of the team, Balafas took his chances for the Europa League and after the winning goal against FC Karpaty Lviv became a fan favorite and his coach László Bölöni gave him more chances of playing time.
In the 2012-13 season, he decided to play abroad for Hoverla. In May 2014 he was released from the club.
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