Nikolay Kolev received another significant recognition in Greece, after being included in the ideal team of the 11th round in the Volley League 2025/26 championship. The PAOK center continues to be a key figure in the Thessaloniki team's lineup and deservedly found a place among the best performing volleyball players in the round.
Kolev's selection comes at a time when the competition among centers in the Greek championship is extremely tough, and his performance in blocking and first-tempo attacks solidifies his status as one of the most stable players in his position.
Ideal Team of the 11th Round (Volley League 2025/26)
| Position | Player | Nationality | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| MVP | Maarten van Garderen | Netherlands | AO Floisvos P. Falirou |
| Setter | Georgios Drogaris | Greece | Panionios |
| Opposite | Matej Mihajlović | Slovenia | OFI |
| Libero | Sotiris Sinadinos | Greece | OFI |
| Outside Hitter | Thanasis Protopsaltis | Greece | Panathinaikos |
| Outside Hitter | Maarten van Garderen | Netherlands | AO Floisvos P. Falirou |
| Middle Blocker | Nikolay Kolev | Bulgaria | PAOK |
| Middle Blocker | Theodoros Voulkidis | Greece | Panathinaikos |
Nikolay Kolev's presence among the selected players clearly shows that PAOK has a middle blocker who brings balance between blocking and attacking. In a round dominated by strong performances from outside hitters and MVP van Garderen, it is players like Kolev who stand out with their "hidden work" – a stable block, security at the net, and efficiency with quick sets.
This is an excellent sign for Bulgarian volleyball – another one of our players is establishing himself in one of the most competitive championships in the Balkans.
