Why 'creative & dynamic' Tzolis is Greece's biggest threat
Be honest, who else has been frantically trying to figure out the dangermen for Greece before Scotland face them in the Nations League play-off double-header?Us too. So we called on Greek football expert and host of the Hellas Football Podcast, Stephen Kountourou, to give us the lowdown on the lads trying to stop Steve Clarke's side. For Scotland, though, it'll be about trying to shackle Christos Tzolis. The Club Brugge striker is enjoying a stellar season and impressed in his club's Champions League journey before it was ended in the last 16 by Aston Villa.The 23-year-old netted three times for Greece in 2024, including two in the Nations League, in addition to his eight goals and five assists this season for his club."Tzolis is the biggest key man for Greece," Kountourou told the Scottish Football Podcast."He's having a very good season, barring the tie against Aston Villa in the Champions League. He didn't have the best of games in the first leg, but he's been excellent for us. "He's brought the exact kind of creativity and dynamism on the wing that we've missed for ages."The forward didn't feature during the failed qualifying campaign for last summer's Euros under former West Ham manager Gus Poyet."That was one of the big reasons why we didn't reach the tournament itself in Germany last year, because we lacked that kind of energy in our team," Kountourou added."He's absolutely going to be one of the key players in this tie."Listen and subscribe to the Scottish Football Podcast on BBC Sounds.
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Daily Mirror
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- Daily Mirror
Every 2025-26 Premier League kit released so far including Man Utd and Arsenal
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The not-so-subtle $1bn investment in DAZN from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund weeks later may also explain where the funding for the bid came from and what FIFA is hoping to achieve off the field of play with this competition. But while players and many fans appear apathetic, most clubs appear to have embraced the opportunity that the revamped format has offered with both hands. For smaller clubs, the exposure and opportunity to test their mettle against Europe's best might be considered reward enough. But for the tournament's bigger sides, the financial upside is likely the most eye-catching element. FIFA's rankings will grant Europe's top-ranked sides £29.6m just for participating, with a potential £97m on offer should they win all their group-stage games and then the entire tournament. On top of a participation fee, clubs will receive prize money as follows: Group Stages : £1.5m for a win and £800,000 for a draw : £1.5m for a win and £800,000 for a draw Round of 16 : £5.8m : £5.8m Quarter-Final : £10.1m : £10.1m Semi-Final : £16.2m : £16.2m Runners-up : £23.2m : £23.2m Winner: £30.0m Perhaps then, it's no surprise that Real were happy to spend £10m for Trent Alexander-Arnold's early release from Liverpool in time for the tournament. There are, of course, downsides. Playing a tournament during the transfer window will surely complicate summer recruitment, let alone pre-season. England boss Thomas Tuchel has already suggested that Arsenal and Liverpool will have an advantage over Chelsea and Manchester City in the league next year due to the latter two's participation in the Club World Cup. More Trending But in an era of more stringent financial regulation and PSR rules, the opportunity to bank nearly £100m from just seven games' work is far too alluring. The second edition of the revamped tournament won't take place until 2029, but reports suggest that Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United – as well as a host of other top European clubs – are keen to see the tournament expanded to ensure they can share in the future financial benefits. None of that should come as much of a surprise – many of these clubs happily signed up to the Super League before its quick demise. Perhaps now the Club World Cup is seen as the next-best option. Players may not be keen, football's vast fanbase may still be unconvinced, but clubs and their owners appear to be all in. For now, that might be all that matters. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Chelsea identify defender with £67million release clause as key transfer target MORE: Arsenal respond to rejected Viktor Gyokeres bid as Manchester United submit rival offer MORE: Manchester United begin talks to sign £84m Chelsea target
