Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed his admiration for new signing Christos Tzolis following the winger's impressive competitive debut in the Community Shield. The Gunners secured a 3-0 victory over Manchester City to claim the first silverware of the season, a match in which Tzolis played a pivotal role by providing two assists.
The club secured the services of the winger from Club Brugge this summer for a fee of £34 million, which stands as a record for the Belgian Pro League. After featuring for the team during their pre-season preparations, Tzolis successfully transitioned into the competitive lineup on Sunday.
Reflecting on the performance, Arteta noted how naturally the new recruit has integrated into the squad. The manager highlighted a specific attribute, describing the winger as a highly intelligent player who possesses a massive quality regarding his composure in the final 30 meters. Arteta explained that Tzolis demonstrates a unique ability to pick out teammates or finish opportunities effectively, adding that he was decisive during the match.
When questioned about whether this composure is a skill that can be coached or developed further, Arteta stated that it is a natural quality. He expressed confidence that as Tzolis continues to play alongside more high-quality teammates, his statistical output will likely improve. The manager concluded by stating that the winger is a consistent performer in all his actions and that he is genuinely impressed with his impact since arriving at the club.
Predicting which clubs the summer's biggest free agents will sign for
Tottenham: Why James Maddison was not awarded a penalty against Leeds as Premier League issue statement
