Christos Tzolis produced an outstanding performance for Arsenal in their 3-0 win over Coventry City on Friday night, staking a strong claim to become the club's signing of the summer.
The Greek winger, who arrived from Belgian side Club Bruges, tormented the Coventry defence with a direct style of play that created two goals and earned him a standing ovation at the Emirates Stadium.
Tzolis arrived in north London four years after failing to make the grade at Norwich City, but he has swiftly surpassed initial expectations. Having registered six goal contributions across six pre-season matches, the attacker demonstrated on Friday that he is ready for the demands of Premier League football.
During the match against Coventry, Tzolis combined direct driving runs with relentless defensive pressing. His anticipation allowed him to dispossess Coventry defender Milan van Ewijk deep in enemy territory before passing to Riccardo Calafiori, who set up Kai Havertz to open the scoring for Arsenal.
Eight minutes later, Tzolis was involved again as his dangerous cross was palmed away by goalkeeper Carl Rushworth, allowing Bukayo Saka to tap in Arsenal's second goal. Tzolis continued to push for a goal of his own throughout the match before being withdrawn in the second half to a loud ovation from the home supporters.
Alexis Sanchez comparisons
His fearlessness on the ball has already prompted supporters to draw comparisons with former Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez. The Chilean star was renowned for his low centre of gravity, direct running, and relentless drive to overcome opposition defenders during his four-year tenure in north London.
Beyond their similar playing styles, Tzolis wears the number 17 jersey previously made famous at Arsenal by Sanchez, a player the Greek international admitted to studying during his youth.
"Actually, I knew that he was wearing the shirt of number 17," Tzolis said. "Of course, I watched a lot of football and he was a top player for Arsenal, as a left winger always. He is one of the players I looked up to when I was younger. And also, I see some similarities with him."
Pressure on Gabriel Martinelli
What has set Tzolis apart is his decisiveness in the final third. While Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli has often been criticized for taking too long to make decisions on the ball, Tzolis has shown a habit of executing the right pass or dribble without hesitation.
Martinelli's position at the club appears increasingly uncertain after he was omitted from the matchday squad against Coventry. The Brazilian was also left out of the squad for Sunday's Community Shield fixture against Manchester City at Wembley Stadium.
Arsenal have been open to selling Martinelli since last summer if a suitable offer arrived. Turkish side Galatasaray have expressed interest in signing the winger, though Martinelli is currently opposed to the move. With the transfer window entering its final week, it remains to be seen whether any formal bids will trigger his departure.
While the £75 million signing of Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United generated the most attention among Arsenal fans this summer, Tzolis is quickly proving to be a potential bargain. With Eberechi Eze also touted as an option on the left flank, Tzolis currently holds the starting position and has an opportunity to cement his role in Mikel Arteta's side.
