Theo Walcott says Arsenal have another Mesut Ozil in their squad
Mesut Ozil constantly divided opinion during his time at Arsenal.
The Germany international became the Gunners’ record signing in 2013, when he left Real Madrid to join Arsene Wenger’s side on transfer deadline day. It was a move nobody expected.
Ozil was one of the greatest playmakers of his generation, and some of the things he did with the ball at his feet were absolutely remarkable. He saw things nobody else did.
However, there were games when Ozil struggled, especially away from home. Theo Walcott saw that first-hand and sees similarities with a current Arsenal player.
Theo Walcott compares Christos Tzolis to Mesut Ozil
Christos Tzolis has had a decent start to life at Arsenal since his summer move from Club Brugge.
The Greek international was one of the best players in pre-season, and he has picked up four assists already in six competitive starts. That is a great return on his debut season.
However, Walcott, who knows a thing or two about playing as a winger for Arsenal, has noticed a major problem in Tzolis that he previously saw in Mesut Ozil.
The Englishman said on talkSPORT: “They are exceptional, they can mix it up, but I do, at times, think we’ll be a little bit more vulnerable away from home.
“When I say that, I look at Tzolis, who I like. I like Tzolis from what I have seen, but away from home, right now, I haven’t been impressed, because it’s difficult to really shine away from home. You can have players who are great at home or great even in training, but away from home when it really matters…
“I’m comparing him to like an Ozil going to Crystal Palace away – don’t play him! Play someone else. Play someone who works for the team and do something different.”
Theo Walcott’s Christos Tzolis assessment makes a lot of sense
Walcott definitely has a point here, and Tzolis’s stats since he joined Arsenal prove him right.
In his first away start against Aston Villa, the Greek attacker was taken off at half-time. He struggled against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light too and was really poor against Brighton at the Amex.
His only contribution in an away game came against Napoli, where he assisted Martin Odegaard’s winner in a game that Arsenal dominated.
This has to be something Arteta has picked up on as well, and we’re sure that the coaching staff will do what they have to do to get the best out of Tzolis in away games.