Getting To Know: Yianni Goulandris

The academy question-and-answer series shines a light on some of the best upcoming talent at Watford, quizzing a selection of Young Hornets about their journey in and outside of football.

Next to take on the questions is highly-rated midfielder Yianni Goulandris.

The 16-year-old, who joined the Hornets in 2022, is a first-year scholar who is currently recovering from an long-term injury. With his agility and low-centre of gravity, Goulandris will be hoping to make his mark on Charlie Daniels' Under-18 side.

How would you describe your playing style?
I’m a number 10 and I like to play in the pockets. I’m a very technical player, so I like to combine with my attackers and get into spaces with quick combinations. I enjoy one-v-ones, as well. Although I’m not similar to him in terms of playing style, I’m trying to take aspects of Mason Mount’s off-the-ball game. He works hard and presses, which is really key. I’m similar in playing style to Bernardo Silva or Philippe Coutinho.

Your footballing idol?
Growing up my favourite player was always Frank Lampard, because I’m a Chelsea fan and he was always scoring goals from midfield. Now I would say I look up to players like Mason Mount and Eden Hazard.

Biggest influence?
I would say my older cousin - he was the one who got me into football when I was younger. He is also the reason I support Chelsea. We have a garage, and every Christmas we would just ask for goals, footballs and equipment so we could play in there for hours together.

Most talented teammate?
From the first-year scholars, I would say Michael Adu-Poku. He is really quick and he always affects the game, causing problems for the opposition. He runs in behind, mixes with his teammates and is quite unselfish. From the second-years, I really like Hamzat Balogun. I think he is really technical and skilful for a right-back. He can do both sides of the game; attacking and defending.

Favourite football memory?
The news that I was getting my scholarship at Watford. I remember being nervous going into it, because I was signed quite late on. When Richard [Johnson] told me I was getting a scholarship I remember I couldn’t stop smiling. I was just really happy. I was with my dad at the time, and then I called my mum and my grandma, and everyone was really happy.

Your aims for the future?
When I get back from injury, I want to become a starter for the Under-18s and cement my place. Maybe next year I can start to push on by playing for the Under-21s or continuing my progression with the Under-18s. I just want to progress.

Best advice you’ve received?
My dad has always said you have to do something to be remembered out on the pitch. That could be affecting the game, never hiding, or taking your man on - whatever it is, you have to give it your all every time you are on the pitch.

Your job if you weren’t a footballer?
I would be involved in business as an entrepreneur. Maybe I’d get involved in the business side of football, as an agent or something like that. I’m very interested in business.

How would you rate yourself on FIFA?
Pace: 81 - I’m not the quickest, but I’m not slow either.
Shooting: 84 - It’s the one thing I try to improve on all the time. I stay behind after training and do extra shooting.
Passing: 87 - It’s one of my strengths as a creative player.
Dribbling: 85 - It’s another one of my strengths. Close control dribbling is something I’m quite good at.
Defending: 55 - I do want to improve on this, winning the ball back in good areas.
Physicality: 57 - I’m more of a technical player, but I’m working to get stronger in the gym.
OVERALL: 83