Arsenal have not simply signed one of Europe’s most productive attacking players, they appear to have recruited someone who thrives when the pressure is at its highest.
Following the official announcement of Christos Tzolis’ arrival from Club Brugge, Arsenal have taken a closer look at why the Greek international became one of Belgium’s standout performers over the past two seasons.
We recently reported that Tzolis was keen to make the move to North London before later covering reports that an agreement between Arsenal and Club Brugge had been reached. Those reports have now been followed by official confirmation, with the 24-year-old becoming Mikel Arteta’s latest addition.
Tzolis saved his best for the biggest games
One of the qualities Arsenal appear to value most is Tzolis’ ability to deliver when trophies are on the line.
Belgian football journalist Tomas Taecke, who has covered Club Brugge since 2011, highlighted the winger’s remarkable performances during the Belgian Championship Play-offs, where the league title is ultimately decided.
Last season, Tzolis scored eight goals in just ten Championship Play-off matches as Club Brugge secured the league title.
Taecke explained to Arsenal:
“In the most important part of the season, he does amazing things.
“You can say when it’s starting to get important, he stands up and takes the team by his hand; that’s a great trait to have, especially joining a club like Arsenal who are fighting for the biggest titles.”
His performances throughout the campaign also backed up that reputation. Tzolis finished the season having created 135 chances, completed 40 successful dribbles and registered 359 progressive carries, earning Belgian Professional Footballer of the Year for a second successive season.
More than just goals and assists
While supporters will naturally focus on Tzolis’ impressive attacking numbers, Taecke believes Arsenal have signed a player whose influence stretches well beyond the statistics.
Describing him as “by far the best” winger Club Brugge have produced during their recent period of domestic success, he praised both the Greek international’s work ethic and all-round game.
“Even if he’s not in the game, he will always do something, making the runs, doing defensive work.”
Perhaps even more revealing was his impact away from the pitch.
According to Taecke, Tzolis became a hugely respected figure inside the dressing room, helping bring together both younger players and senior internationals. He even organised regular team gatherings at a beach house he rented on the Belgian coast, further strengthening the bond within the squad.
“He really turned into someone who was the glue for both the young guys in the squad and the international guys.”
That combination of leadership, personality and a proven ability to perform on the biggest occasions may prove just as valuable as the goals and assists Arsenal supporters will be hoping to see at the Emirates.
Do you think Arsenal have signed one of Europe’s most underrated attackers, Gooners? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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I have a good feeling about this “low budget” deal.
To the eye I think Trossard playstyle is more pleasing, but from what Ive seen and heard this guy is much more effective and faster in the development of the game both for himself and his team mates. CLEVER and PERSISTANT are his main traits.
Welcome!!! Big boots to fill, lets hope he hits the ground running and is upto the task. We need him to be.
Reggie,
With him being a footballer, lets hope he can run.😂
I think he must have trouble with his mouth because I have heard he dribbles🤣🤣
Reggie,
Good comeback. 😂🤣
I like this signing.
The fact that he didn’t cost an arm and a leg (checked this morning and mine are still intact) means he wouldn’t be judged like Pepe.
believe he will prove to be good value for money.
he looks a great buy.. do we still need a Barcola or Alvarez or has that been the strategy to put people off and get eg Chelski to pay more for Rogers etc
Looks an upgrade on Leo who did a really good job for us last few years so best of luck to him
The signing seems to fit others that Arteta and now Berta are doing.. sign the players who fits well with the structure playing style and more importantly ethos… we dont need any big stars with big egos who dont perform to their value (Rogers would have been a huge disappointment I think)
We are still after a marquee signing for the left. More will happen on this after the CM issue (Guimaraes etc) is resolved.
Tzolis is a classic “Brighton buy” – a reasonably priced, highly talented young player from a lower tier international league with lots of promise. He will do well for us I’m sure.
I think Rogers would have been a good reinforcement, but not £120m good. I don’t mind at all that we didn’t bring him in on that kind of money, we have plenty of good players covering his areas of the pitch.
Welcome to Arsenal Christos
I’m hopeful given time to settle in he will show that you don’t have to spend inflated prices to get quality players.