Mikel Arteta has praised Christos Tzolis after the £34million summer signing delivered two assists on his competitive Arsenal debut in the 3-0 Community Shield victory over Manchester City.
Tzolis arrived from Club Brugge this summer for a Belgian Pro League record fee and had already featured throughout Arsenal's pre-season preparations.
His first competitive appearance provided an immediate demonstration of why Arsenal invested heavily in the Greece international.
The winger created two of the Gunners' three goals as the Premier League champions comfortably defeated City in Cardiff.
Arteta impressed by Tzolis impact
Arteta believes Tzolis has adapted remarkably quickly since arriving from Belgium.
“He’s come into the team and really organically he’s fitted in,” the Arsenal manager said.
“He’s a really intelligent boy, and he has a massive quality, which is that in the last 30 metres, he is so composed to pick people out in and around the box or to finish.”
That composure was evident against City, with Tzolis making a decisive contribution to Arsenal's first trophy of the campaign.
“He has shown that two or three times, and he was decisive,” Arteta added.
The 24-year-old's ability to create and score from wide positions was one of the major reasons Arsenal moved to bring him to the Emirates this summer.
Arteta expects even more from £34m signing
Arteta believes Tzolis' effectiveness in attacking areas is largely a natural ability rather than something that needs to be coached into his game.
Asked whether the winger could improve further, Arteta suggested playing alongside Arsenal's attacking talent could actually increase his output.
“That is a natural quality,” he said. “With more quality around him, the numbers will be higher. It is not a coincidence.”
Arteta also described Tzolis as a consistent player and admitted he has been highly impressed by the winger since his arrival.
After two assists against one of Arsenal's biggest domestic rivals, Tzolis could hardly have made a stronger first competitive impression.
Key Points
- Christos Tzolis registered two assists on his competitive Arsenal debut.
- Arsenal beat Manchester City 3-0 to win the Community Shield.
- The Gunners paid £34m to sign Tzolis from Club Brugge this summer.
- Arteta praised his composure in the final third and described the winger as “decisive”.
- The Arsenal manager believes playing alongside greater quality could produce even better numbers from Tzolis.
What's Next?
Tzolis will now look to carry his Community Shield performance into the start of the Premier League campaign.
The £34m signing has already made a compelling case for a prominent role in Arteta's attack, and his ability to provide the final pass could add another dimension to the champions this season.
After two assists and a trophy on his competitive debut, his Arsenal career has started in impressive fashion.
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