Ever since Dimitris Giannoulis arrived at Norwich City there has been a real appreciation for his ability from both coaches and supporters.

Back in 2021, he was added to Daniel Farke’s title-chasing squad in January to solve a left-back problem caused by injuries to Xavi Quintilla and Sam Byram which left City operating with Jacob Sorensen there.

Giannoulis added pedigree, attacking thrust and offered a natural balance. Many inside the camp felt his arrival turned Norwich from a promotion-winning side into a title-claiming one.

The Premier League proved more problematic – Dean Smith often preferred right-footed Manchester United loanee Brandon Williams ahead of him. Consistency – either in performances or runs of games – proved hard to come by throughout that campaign.

Despite assurances from Smith that he would be his starting left-back this year, injuries disrupted his progress and McCallum’s swifter than planned recovery meant he had to bide his time to get back into the side.

Since David Wagner’s arrival, Giannoulis has started all six matches under the German – that constitutes 50pc of his Championship appearances this season.

Wagner has challenged his full-backs to increase their attacking output – both in terms of goals and assists – in the current weeks.

Since signing for Norwich from PAOK, Giannoulis is yet to score and has mustered up just two assists in 51 matches in yellow and green. That is the type of metric that City’s boss will be hoping to influence before the end of the campaign.

Giannoulis does have excellent ball-carrying qualities and an ability to make progressive passes that rank among the highest in the Championship for players in his position.

It is his defensive positioning and behaviours that have left plenty to be desired throughout his time at Norwich, though. That is why Smith elected to go with Williams as frequently as he did during their unsuccessful Premier League survival fight.

At the DW Stadium, Giannoulis as an attacking force faded as the game wore on - particularly in a second half period where City were lacking spark, imagination and attacking ideas. 

There was one volley after a cleared corner that looped over the bar - it perhaps summed up City's frustrations and lack of cutting edge in the final third. 

The Greek international's best moment arrived when he teed up Josh Sargent for a shot from the edge of the penalty area after spinning past his man. The American was then unable to hit the target. 

He was eventually replaced by Sam McCallum in the 85th minute. 

It has felt like recent performances have been geared towards getting the 27-year-old back to full fitness and designed to help him rediscover his rhythm after a stop-start season in Norfolk.

Whether Giannoulis would want another ride on the Championship rollercoaster next season should promotion not be achieved remains to be seen.

Some internally feel the Greek international is one of the few players who would attract interest but also represent profit should raising funds become a necessity. Giannoulis has had interest from Italy prior to moving to Carrow Road – plenty of teams would be tempted if he became available.

With Sam McCallum in reserve, Norwich have a young replacement with plenty more development to get through. David Wagner likes his raw materials even if there has been an acknowledgement that he requires further work.

Much like City’s goalkeeper battle, there are question marks over whether possessing two frontline options is viable in the long term – both Giannoulis and McCallum will feel they could be starters at other clubs. Neither will want to sit in the background watching their career meander.

That is what makes the summer such a fascinating juncture for both players – if Norwich do persuade Giannoulis to remain in England, will McCallum be content with being second in the pecking order for another season? Only he truly knows the answer.

Norwich Evening News: Dimitris Giannoulis defends a set piece against Wigan Athletic.Dimitris Giannoulis defends a set piece against Wigan Athletic. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

Giannoulis has honest people around him. They understand that opportunities in English football are few and far between. They recognised he didn’t do enough in the Premier League to earn a move elsewhere. Whether those messages will be the same if Norwich fail in their attempt to return to the top-flight is interesting to ponder.

Wagner believes Giannoulis has all the tools required to get to grips and thrive in his tactical set-up where the full backs do push so high and are given an attacking licence to impact the game in the final third.

If the decision was purely down to City’s head coach, then Giannoulis would remain in Norfolk beyond the summer. Whether a decision is taken out of his hands, either by the player or sporting director Stuart Webber, only time will tell.

But there is plenty of love for him in the terraces – he is widely viewed among City fans as the best left back option they possess currently. Wagner also shares that opinion.

If Norwich are to break into the top six and achieve an unlikely promotion, then Giannoulis will need to up his levels further – along with plenty of his team-mates.