Tzolis: Arsenal's 'Warrior' Takes Trossard's Spot

The Greek winger's here. Another big splash from the Premier League champions, they'd have us believe. Tzolis notched an impressive 51 goal contributions in just 52 games for Brugge last season. Suddenly, he's one of Europe's 'most efficient' attacking midfielders. Funny how that happens after a transfer fee. That £34m price tag? It makes him Greece's priciest player ever. Also, the Belgian Pro League's biggest export. Arsenal clearly has faith. Or they're just spending big, hoping for the best.

The Trossard echoes? They're everywhere. Both guys work the left wing, then sneak inside as attacking midfielders. Always chasing the goal, you know the drill. Hayk Milkon, Brugge's assistant during Tzolis' stint, tried to clear it up: "Coming from the left side, giving him space to start wide then find moments to get inside—that's where he's strongest. But he's always strongest the closer he is to the goal." Standard stuff. Get him near the net. That's the secret.

Durability. Another Trossard trait, apparently. Tzolis was practically an iron man at Brugge. Two games was his longest injury break. This despite playing like a madman, all intensity, all the time. Milkon, naturally, raves about his professionalism: "He runs a lot of kilometres at high speeds... He takes care of his body really well." Well, he better.

Temperament. Here's where it gets interesting. Trossard-esque fire. Tzolis apparently has this 'combative spirit.' Milkon calls it "warrior mode." Sounds dramatic. The kid apparently bristles when opponents get physical. Good. But don't expect him to be a locker room cancer. The Brugge squad, champions they were, seemed to love him. No toxicity there.

But then there's Norwich. Two years there, 2021 to 2023. Thirty appearances. Not exactly stellar. Injury-plagued, they say. Arsenal's doctors better have done their homework on that one. Real homework, not just a quick glance.