Amidst Anorthosis’ ongoing financial struggles grabbing attention, there’s a ray of hope emanating from the club—a beacon recognised even by those outside its walls: its youth academy. Finishing fourth in the U19 league, trailing champions Pafos FC by 28 points, might not immediately showcase the academy’s success to many. However, considering the challenges, Anorthosis is nurturing talent that, with proper grooming, holds promise to significantly contribute to the first team. Out of the 51 league goals tallied this season, 25 were netted by Georgios Ioannou and Evagoras Charalambous. Some would argue Anorthosis would have clinched a higher spot in the standings if winger Yiannis Xydias hadn’t suffered an injury during the U19 cup match against PAEEK in January. Prior to his injury, due to PAEEK’s terrible playing surface, Xydias had 8 goals to his name – some being incredible strikes from outside the box. Our sources claim that Xydias would have been involved in the first team had it not been for a military service dispute. Xydias’ form earned him a call up to the Cyprus national team squad for the UEFA U19 Championship Qualifiers, coming off the bench against Georgia and Spain. Player Profile: Date of Birth: 26th February 2005 Height: 1.84m Position: Winger, right or left Key Strengths: Speed, close control, running at defenders, shooting with right foot, aerial duels, movement off the ball, late runs into the box off the ball. Highlight reel: Post navigation CEDOMIR JANEVSKI TALKS TO THIS IS MAPPA SALVA FERRER: “MY GOAL IS NO LONGER KNOWING WHO I PLAY AGAINST ON THE WEEKEND”