Tzolis joined the Premier League champions in a £34 million transfer from Club Brugge earlier this summer.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Former Arsenal striker Theo Walcott has praised the Gunners’ new recruit, Christos Tzolis, following his impressive performance in his Premier League debut for the North London club.
He hailed the Greek international on Friday while speaking on Premier League Productions after Mikel Arteta’s men thrashed newly promoted Coventry City 3-0 in the league’s curtain-raiser.
Goals from Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Martin Ødegaard secured the win for Arsenal over Frank Lampard’s team at the Emirates Stadium.
During the encounter, Tzolis delivered an outstanding performance; his cross into the box in the 23rd minute was directly responsible for the second goal, scored by Saka.
Reacting after the 24-year-old’s first game for Arsenal, Walcott noted that “his initial touch is positive”, adding that “his first instinct is to move forward and challenge the full-back”.
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He went on to describe Tzolis as a blend of Belgian winger Leandro Trossard and Chile forward Alexis Sanchez.
“I like him a lot. He reminds me of Alexis [Sanchez],” he said.
Walcott added: “The reason I mention this is that when he receives the ball, his initial touch is positive, and his first instinct is to move forward and challenge the full-back.
“Alexis consistently troubled the full-back, and even his wearing of the number 17 evokes memories of him. I am aware he switched to number seven after Tomas Rosicky departed.
“Nonetheless, there is something distinctive about his movement with the ball; he glides across the pitch, and teammates are eager to pass to him. It is evident that his confidence is steadily increasing, and he possesses a bit more pace than Trossard, making him a blend of Trossard and Alexis.
“I am very impressed. As he becomes fitter and his teammates become more familiar with his style of play, I appreciate what I have observed thus far. Really impressed.”
