Arsenal signing Christos Tzolis cites David Villa as blueprint for playing style | OneFootball

Arsenal winger Christos Tzolis has said he has tried to mould his game around former Barcelona forward David Villa.

Tzolis is a new signing in North London after arriving from Club Brugge for a £34m fee earlier this summer.

The Greek international arrives at Arsenal after a brilliant season in Brugge, where he recorded 52 goals and assists across all competitions.

Tzolis is now hoping to translate that form to thePremier League, and netted his first Arsenal goal during the pre-season win over Girona on Saturday. The winger has also caught the eye during Arsenal's fitness tests this summer, leading the squad in running-based challenges.

The 24-year-old opened up toSky Sports about his ambitions for the upcoming campaign and role models, citing ex-Spain striker Villa as a player he admires.

He said he shares 'some similarities' with Villa, with both players at their best going 'for goals' in a left-sided pocket.

"His body style is similar to mine," Tzolis said.

"We are not the tallest as strikers but in finishing terms, he was top level.

"I'm not saying I'm the level of David Villa but we have some similarities. He was not a striker, striker. He was an inside forward - a left pocket player who always went for goals.

"I see myself like this because I'm not always a typical wide winger. I go inside a lot and Villa, as a winger/inside forward, was top level."