It's very clear what drives Giorgos Giakoumakis day in and day out.
Scoring goals.
A feature story published this week in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution written by Doug Roberson highlights the Greek striker's relentless work ethic. Giakoumakis is described as staying long after training, putting in extra work, and continuing to search for the thing that drives him:
“If I score one goal, I need to score more and more and more and more and more. So we need to create more and more and more. So it’s something that really, my ego pushed me all the time to achieve more and more things.”
The story runs through Giakoumakis's soccer career prior to joining Atlanta United, which consisted of playing for European clubs in Poland, Scotland and his native Greece. It also sheds light on ways the 28-year-old is emerging as a leader in Atlanta. On the field, he's one of the most active players with his constant pressing and intent to score. Off the field, he's communicating with teammates and setting the tone for focused training sessions.
Giakoumakis is having a standout rookie season in MLS and with Atlanta United. Since signing with the club in February as a Designated Player, he's scored 10 goals in 15 appearances, which launched him into the race for the MLS Golden Boot. This week, he was named an MLS All-Star, joining teammate Thiago Almada.
To read the article in full, visit the Atlanta Journal-Constitution here.
Giakoumakis and Atlanta United next kick off against Philadelphia Union on Sunday, July 2 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. View tickets to the match.
