Norwich City’s Assist Struggles Could Make Christos Tzolis Arsenal’s Next Rising Star

Arsenal pursued Tzolis following the finest campaign of his career. He contributed to 40 goals, finding the net 17 times and delivering 23 assists as Club Brugge secured the Belgian league title.

His journey had previously included a difficult three-year spell at Norwich, where he managed only three goals in 30 appearances between 2021 and 2024.

Tzolis revived his form during a 2023-24 loan with German second-division club Fortuna Dusseldorf, scoring 24 times in 35 matches. He then departed Norwich for Club Brugge and established himself as one of the league’s standout performers.

He has continued to progress ever since, developing into one of European football’s most consistent creative players.

In addition to claiming two assists, he completed more passes into the attacking third than any of his Arsenal teammates in Cardiff. Although he is not known for exceptional speed, Tzolis is highly productive in possession, while his determination and effort have earned the approval of manager Mikel Arteta.

Tzolis has taken the place of Leandro Trossard following the Belgian’s July move to Besiktas, with Arteta noting that the two players share similar qualities.

Trossard registered more combined goals and assists in last season’s Champions League. However, the Greek attacker created nearly twice as many opportunities, producing 13 compared with seven, and completed 138 passes in the final third against Trossard’s 80.

Those familiar with Tzolis’ development will not be surprised by his display, as he has already demonstrated his ability to perform against elite European opposition.

During last season’s Champions League campaign, he found the net against Atalanta and Atletico Madrid and also supplied an assist against Barcelona.

Of the 135 opportunities he fashioned in the Belgian Pro League during the 2025-26 season, 52 originated from set pieces, representing 38.5%. His expertise from dead balls was also evident in pre-season when his corner led to Piero Hincapie’s goal against Real Betis.