Mikel Arteta believes Christos Tzolis’ direct running, goal threat and hunger will quickly make him a popular figure at Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta is confident Arsenal fans will warm to Christos Tzolis, especially after the new signing wasted no time making his mark in the pre-season win against Girona.
On his debut for the Gunners in Spain, Tzolis announced himself with a goal, drifting in from the left and picking out the far corner.
That early strike was a snapshot of what Arteta hopes Tzolis will bring to Arsenal. The manager was quick to point out it was more than just the finish that caught his eye, it was the direct running, sharp movement, link-up play and the work he put in off the ball.
Speaking in his post-match interview, Arteta said: “Very pleased with him. First of all, the way he has adapted to the club, to the team, the connection he’s already generating with the boys.”
Tzolis arrived at the Gunners with a reputation as one of Europe’s most effective attacking players, but his opening weeks in North London have been all about adapting to a new environment and getting to grips with what Arteta expects.
It’s the speed of that adjustment, as much as his goal against Girona, that seems to have caught Arteta’s attention.
Arteta added: “I think you’re going to love the player. A player very direct; he’s got the goal between the eyes.
“I think really good at linking up. He has a lot of similarities with Leo in a lot of the things that he can do and the spaces he can occupy.”
Drawing a parallel with Leandro Trossard gives a hint at the kind of role Tzolis might play.
Trossard has made himself invaluable at Arsenal by drifting across the front line, linking up in tight spaces and popping up in scoring positions, never fixed to one spot. Arteta seems to see the same kind of flexibility in Tzolis, who is comfortable on the left but just as capable of moving inside and getting closer to goal.
With Tzolis now in the squad, the Gunners have another option to go with Gabriel Martinelli and Trossard. It also gives Arteta the freedom to rotate his attack without sacrificing that direct edge.
That goal against Girona was all about instinct. Tzolis picked up the ball out wide, drove straight at goal and backed himself to finish, never hesitating to take the chance.
Arteta was also keen to stress that his view of Tzolis isn’t just about what he does with the ball.
“And then the work rate that he has,” he said. “He’s a boy that comes with so much hunger as well and wants to prove. It’s a dream for him, and we are here to help him.”
That hunger could prove vital as Tzolis battles for minutes in a squad that knows what it takes to win trophies.
One game won’t decide Tzolis’ place in Arteta’s plans, but his debut offered plenty for Arsenal fans to get excited about. A goal on his first outing, and a glowing review from his manager, who has already seen the qualities that convinced the club to bring him in.