Konstantinos Koulierakis arrived from Wolfsburg during the summer in a deal worth approximately €15 million, but the Greek defender has struggled to earn regular playing time during the opening weeks of his Roma career.
The 22-year-old joined a competitive defensive group featuring Gianluca Mancini, Evan Ndicka, Mario Hermoso, Daniele Ghilardi and Leonardo Balerdi.
That depth has helped Roma concede only four goals across their opening six matches in Serie A and the Champions League, but it has also made opportunities difficult to obtain.
Koulierakis featured regularly during preseason
Koulierakis appeared to be an important part of Gian Piero Gasperini’s plans throughout Roma’s preseason schedule.
The former PAOK defender played 30 minutes against Borussia Dortmund, 39 against Brighton and 69 against Newport County. He also scored his first unofficial Roma goal during the match against the English fourth-division side.
Those appearances suggested that Koulierakis would immediately enter Gasperini’s defensive rotation once the competitive campaign began.
His playing time has instead decreased significantly. Across Roma’s opening six matches, Koulierakis has made only two substitute appearances.
He played 22 minutes against Fiorentina before entering for the final nine minutes against Inter, when he also received a yellow card. His total competitive playing time therefore stands at just 31 minutes.
Balerdi arrival increases competition
Leonardo Balerdi’s late arrival and rapid integration have created further competition for Koulierakis.
The Argentine has quickly become an important option for Gasperini and has already earned an international recall following his encouraging Roma performances.
Roma’s other defenders have also performed consistently. Ghilardi impressed when called upon to replace Ndicka, while Mancini, Hermoso and the Ivorian have provided continuity in the back three.
Koulierakis must now use the international break to strengthen his case for more opportunities as Roma prepare to enter another demanding run of domestic and European fixtures.
Koulierakis remains unused for Greece
The defender’s limited playing time continued during the international break after Greece coach Ivan Jovanović selected him for the Nations League match against Serbia.
Koulierakis remained on the bench for the entire match as Greece completed a comeback victory through goals from Christos Tzolis and Anastasios Douvikas. Former Roma defender Kostas Tsimikas provided the decisive assist during stoppage time.
Koulierakis remains a young defender with considerable potential, and Roma’s congested schedule should eventually create opportunities. For now, however, he faces a significant challenge to establish himself within one of the deepest areas of Gasperini’s squad.
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