Christos Tzolis impresses Arsenal fitness coaches in pre-season
New Arsenal signing Christos Tzolis has made an immediate impact during pre-season, not only with a goal on his debut but also by excelling in the club’s fitness tests. The Greek winger, who joined from Club Brugge in a £34 million deal, has reportedly earned the nickname ‘Leonidas’ from one of the fitness coaches due to his performance.
Tzolis finished first in a demanding pre-season fitness challenge, which involves running 20 metres, then back, followed by 40 metres and back, and then 60 metres and back, with each distance completed five times in a row. This totals approximately 1.4 kilometres run at full pace. He attributed his strong fitness levels to having already started pre-season training with Club Brugge for two weeks and maintaining his fitness during the summer.
Debut Goal and Managerial Praise
The 24-year-old winger marked his first appearance for Arsenal with a goal in a 4-1 victory over Girona. His goal came from confidently advancing past a defender, cutting inside, and slotting an effort into the bottom corner, albeit with a slight deflection. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed satisfaction with Tzolis’s adaptation to the club and his immediate connection with the squad.
Arteta described Tzolis as a direct player with a strong work ethic and hunger, noting similarities to former Arsenal player Leandro Trossard, who recently departed for Besiktas. The manager believes fans will enjoy watching Tzolis play, highlighting his seamless integration into the team environment.
Confidence Amidst Transfer Rumours
Despite ongoing speculation about Arsenal’s interest in other left-wingers, including Vinicius Jr, Tzolis remains focused on his own development. He stated his confidence as a player and his determination to settle into the club as quickly as possible. Tzolis views the opportunity to train with the team from the start of the season and play in friendly games as a chance to demonstrate his qualities.
Reports suggest Arsenal is pursuing a record-breaking deal for Vinicius Jr, with Real Madrid reportedly setting a €150 million price tag for the 26-year-old. Arteta has reportedly taken a personal interest in the pursuit, engaging in direct talks with the Brazil international. However, Tzolis is not deterred by these rumours, emphasizing his belief in his ability to perform in upcoming games.
Learning from Past Experiences and Role Models
This move marks Tzolis’s second spell in England, having previously played for Norwich City, where he made his Premier League debut in 2021. He acknowledged that his time at Norwich was challenging due to the team’s struggles and limited playing time, which he felt hindered his development as a young player. He subsequently had loan spells at FC Twente and Fortuna Dusseldorf before joining Club Brugge, where he contributed 51 goals and assists in 52 games last season.
Tzolis has drawn comparisons between his playing style and that of former Barcelona and Spain legend David Villa, noting similarities in body type and finishing ability. He sees himself as an inside forward who often moves centrally, akin to Villa’s role. He also mentioned former Arsenal winger Alexis Sanchez as a player he admired, and has taken the No. 17 shirt, the same number Sanchez wore at Arsenal.
The Greek international expressed his readiness for the demands of the Premier League, feeling he has developed significantly since his time at Norwich. He believes Arsenal is the ideal club for him to reach his full potential and compete at the highest level. Tzolis highlighted the high standards and competitive mindset within the Arsenal squad, even during pre-season, as a sign of their ambition to win multiple titles.
He noted the intensity of training and the hunger of every player to perform, indicating a collective desire to compete for every possible title, not just the Premier League. Tzolis understands the challenge of defending a title, having experienced it with Club Brugge, and believes the pressure lies more with the challenging teams rather than the reigning champions.
He joined Arsenal after receiving a call from his agent while in his hometown of Thessaloniki, and despite interest from other clubs, his decision was solidified after conversations with Mikel Arteta. Tzolis aims to be himself on the pitch, showing passion and a desire to win, believing that giving 100 percent in every game and duel will earn the support of the fans.
The 24-year-old’s immediate impact and dedication have set a positive tone for his tenure at Arsenal, as he looks to contribute to the team’s pursuit of further silverware.
Source: skysports.com
