Torosidis taking glory in his stride

Hot property
Torosidis is one of the hottest young properties in Greek football at the moment. A versatile right-back who can also fill in as a defensive midfielder or centre-back, he made his Greek top-flight debut with Skoda Xanthi FC in 2002 and has blossomed since. Barely two months after joining Olympiacos CFP in January last year, he found himself winning his first international cap in the 4-1 UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying loss to Turkey on 24 March 2007. "I was happy to make my debut, but all I can remember from that night was our sadness and disappointment," Torosidis told uefa.com. "However, that defeat made us stronger. We became more determined and cruised to qualification afterwards."

Unfamiliar role
Since then, Torosidis has been a regular starter and has already collected eleven caps, despite being asked by Otto Rehhagel to adapt to a new role as left-back. "I'm always happy to follow my coach's instructions," he said. "I hadn't played as a left-back before and it's only natural that I feel more comfortable on the right, but everything should work out with good will and hard work."

'Impressive ride'
Such qualities have served the 22-year-old well so far, bringing him Greek Super League honours in 2007 and 2008, as well as a Greek Super Cup medal in 2007. He also helped Olympiacos to a long-overdue place in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League this term, saying: "It has been an impressive ride, full of matches and emotions. I hope I can stay fit and healthy so that I can continue at the same rate and celebrate more."

Title defence
In less than two months, he should be travelling to Austria as Greece mount their title defence. Their challenge begins in earnest against Sweden in Salzburg on 10 June, the day Torosidis turns 23. "It's a rare gift, a special occasion for me," he said. "To be celebrating my birthday on the day I participate in my first match in a major tournament would be a dream come true." It could also be a good omen, given that his predecessor at left-back, Panagiotis Fyssas, celebrated his 31st birthday on the day of Greece's opening match at UEFA EURO 2004™.

Quarter-final target
As far as their chances go this summer, Torosidis remains wary: "Four years ago, nobody was counting on the Greek side to make it but we all know how that turned out. Now, we're aware that our opponents will be more cautious, knowing that we can be dangerous. Our first goal is to get through the group stage and make it to the quarter-finals. We'll be taking one step at a time."