David Carmo Finding His Feet in Greece
In the fast-paced world of the English Premier League, opportunities can come and go in the blink of an eye. For Angolan center-back David Mota Veiga Teixeira do Carmo, better known as David Carmo, a season-long loan spell at Greek giants Olympiacos is proving to be the perfect platform to showcase his immense talent and stake a claim for a return to his parent club, Nottingham Forest.
The 25-year-old defender, who joined Forest in 2024 after an impressive stint in Portugal’s Primeira Liga with Braga and more recently Porto, found regular game time elusive in England. Seeking consistent minutes to hone his skills, Nottingham Forest loaned Carmo to Olympiacos at the start of the 2023/24 season. The towering defender has since gone from strength to strength.
Since arriving in Piraeus in what is his second spell, Carmo has cemented himself as a pivotal figure in Olympiacos’ backline. Standing tall at 6’5″ with a powerful frame and an innate sense of positioning, the Angolan has quickly adapted to the demands of the Greek Super League. His commanding aerial ability, composure on the ball, and knack for well-timed challenges have made him a standout performer in a league known for its physicality.
The stats also suggest that Carmo has been almost indispensable in Olympiacos’ defense. Whenever Carmo is on the pitch, his team concedes a goal every 87 minutes. He’s also made an average of 0.75 tackles and 1.49 interceptions per 90 minutes. Carmo has also racked up an average of 3.28 clearances and 3.87 aerial duels per 90 within the same time period.
These stats put him in the 81st, 81st, and 96th percentiles amongst players in the Greek Super League. He has been instrumental in the team’s strong defensive record. Additionally, his leadership qualities have shone through, with teammates and coaching staff alike praising his vocal presence and ability to organize the defense.
For Nottingham Forest, Carmo’s success at Olympiacos is both a testament to his potential and a tantalizing prospect for the club’s future. With Forest striving to solidify their defensive options in the Premier League, a return for the Angolan could provide the club with a ready-made solution rather than having to dip into the summer transfer market.
Carmo will bring important qualities that will bolster the Forest backline—athleticism, ball-playing ability, and versatility to play in either a back three or four. His experience in European competitions, including a UEFA Europa Conference League crown with Olympiacos last season, also adds a layer of maturity to his game, something that could prove invaluable in England’s top flight.
While Nottingham Forest may view Carmo as an asset to recall, possibly with a view to pairing him with the largely impressive Murillo, Olympiacos are reportedly keen to extend his stay, either through a loan extension or a permanent deal. The Greek side values his contributions and believes he can be a long-term defensive stalwart.
As the January transfer window approaches, Nottingham Forest face a decision: recall Carmo to bolster their squad or allow him to continue thriving in Greece. Whatever the outcome, one thing is clear—David Carmo has positioned himself as a player to watch, and his journey is just beginning.
For now, Angolan fans and Olympiacos supporters can revel in his performances, knowing they are witnessing a star on the rise. Whether in the red of Forest or the stripes of Olympiacos, Carmo’s’ future looks bright.
By: Edward Okaro / @KingArinze
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Quality Sport Images – Getty Images