Stefanos Tzimas has been told his path to regular Premier League football will depend on hard work and patience, despite a confidence-boosting international window with Greece Under-21s.
The Brighton & Hove Albion striker found the net in a dramatic 3–2 victory over Germany, a result celebrated widely back home as Greece took early control of their European U21 Championship qualifying group. They now travel to Riga to face Latvia tomorrow, hoping to extend their perfect start.
Tzimas’ goal came through pure determination — pressing the German goalkeeper Dennis Seimen, stealing possession, and finishing calmly. It was a glimpse of the hunger and instinct that first drew Brighton’s attention when they signed him from Nürnberg last year.
However, despite his impressive international form, Brighton boss Fabian Hürzeler insists the youngster must continue to earn his opportunities at club level.
“When you are in the squad, you are always close,” Hürzeler told reporters. “He needs to train hard. He has shown us some good performances, he is adapting to the Premier League. So keep working hard, keep pushing in training, and every player who is in the squad has a chance.”
Tzimas’ Premier League Challenge
The 20-year-old has made only brief appearances in the Premier League so far this season, often coming off the bench late in matches. Still, there is growing belief within Brighton that Tzimas could soon be ready for a larger role — especially with the club juggling league and European commitments.
His performances for Greece’s youth sides have not gone unnoticed. Coaches have praised his pressing, finishing, and maturity, suggesting he could soon follow in the footsteps of young Brighton talents like Evan Ferguson and Julio Enciso.
| Stat (2025/26) | Stefanos Tzimas |
|---|---|
| Appearances (All Competitions) | 6 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Minutes Played | 212 |
source: sofascore match data – 11 October 2025
Those numbers highlight why Hürzeler is taking a patient approach — balancing the striker’s development while rewarding his progress with minutes.
Brighton’s International Round-Up
Tzimas wasn’t the only Albion player to shine over the international break. Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen kept a clean sheet as the Netherlands swept Finland aside 4–0, while defender Jan Paul van Hecke came on for the final half-hour to help see out the win.
That result puts the Dutch firmly on course for at least a World Cup qualifying play-off place, while Max De Cuyperand Belgium can strengthen their own position with victory over Wales in Cardiff later tonight.
Analyst Verdict – “He’s Close, But Not There Yet”
FootballPlace analyst John William says Hürzeler’s comments are a reflection of how Brighton manage young players. “They never rush development,” he explained. “Tzimas has talent and work rate — you can see why Greece value him so highly — but Premier League readiness takes time. Brighton will want to build him properly rather than throw him in too soon.”
William added that Brighton’s current injury list could open a door: “If one of the senior forwards drops out, Tzimas is the next logical option. He’s learning the system and the physical tempo — it’s a matter of when, not if.”
Key Insights
- Stefanos Tzimas scored for Greece U21s in a 3–2 win over Germany.
- Fabian Hürzeler says the striker must “keep working hard” to earn more Premier League minutes.
- Greece top their U21 qualifying group and face Latvia next.
- Other Brighton internationals impressed, including Verbruggen and Van Hecke.
- Tzimas is being developed gradually as part of Brighton’s long-term attacking plan.
What’s Next for Tzimas
Tzimas will rejoin Brighton ahead of their Premier League clash with Newcastle United this weekend, carrying confidence from his international success. With Hürzeler impressed by his progress, another cameo appearance could be on the horizon.
For now, though, the message is clear: the goals are coming, but the hard work can’t stop.
👉 Can Stefanos Tzimas turn his international form into Premier League minutes — or will Brighton continue to hold him back for development?
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