in his debut Arsenal season.
Data from the Champions League, which is a fairer way of understanding Tzolis’ potential, presents the Greek winger in a better light.
The 24-year-old was one of the most shot-friendly players in the Champions League last season, sitting in great company in most shots per 90.
What helped Tzolis get into good areas was his ball-carrying ability. Again, Tzolis competed with some of Europe’s best in terms of carrying the ball towards a shooting chance last season.
The numbers are even more impressive given Tzolis played for a ‘lesser’ side in the Champions League last term. Club Brugge averaged around 46 per cent possession last season – towards the bottom of the list of clubs that took part from the league phase onwards – before being knocked out of the play-offs.
Alongside Tzolis in both lists is Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of Paris Saint-Germain, who Arsenal explored a deal for earlier in the summer. Coincidentally, the Georgian winger was scouted by Maurizio Micheli at Napoli, who now works as part of Andrea Berta’s talent-spotting team at Arsenal.
Tzolis may not be the most outstanding name Arsenal sign in the transfer market and despite struggling at Norwich, a move for the Greek winger makes a fair bit of sense.
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