Thioune Calls Off Tzolis Striker Experiment
Enough is enough!
Coach Daniel Thioune made the tough decision to end the experiment of having Christos Tzolis as the lone striker in Fürth after a dismal performance. The 21-year-old Greek striker, who stands at 1.70 meters tall, struggled to cope with the role after two unsuccessful attempts.
The misfit
Fürth kicked off with numerous high balls forward, making it virtually impossible for Tzolis to keep up. Thioune lamented that the team began the game by merely hitting long balls, making it an impossible mismatch for Tzolis. Emmanuel Iyoha or Jona Niemiec, with their superior height, could have potentially served as better alternatives in this situation.
Alternatives were lacking
Though Vincent Vermeij and Daniel Ginczek could have offered some respite as center forwards, they were both sidelined due to injuries. Young Niemiec does not yet possess the necessary quality for the position, while Thioune does not view Iyoha as the perfect fit for the role.
Lack of form
Tzolis demonstrated a preference for the center forward position and felt comfortable there. However, when deployed as the lone striker, the experiment did not yield the desired results. In retrospect, perhaps a second striker would have complemented Tzolis' game better.
New beginnings
With Vermeij set to return for the match against Schalke, Tzolis will have a new opportunity to shine as a left winger or a hanging striker behind the Dutchman. Even if both strikers remain unavailable, the experiment to use Tzolis as the lone striker is now over and done with.
Enrichment Data:
The enrichment data highlights that Thiouen's decision to use Tzolis as the lone striker was likely influenced by the absence of both Ginczek and Vermeij. The team struggled to create opportunities for Tzolis due to their playing style, emphasizing the importance of team dynamics and chemistry in football.
The new formation, with Tzolis playing as a left winger or hanging striker, presented a fresh approach for the team and offered more potential opportunities for him to showcase his skills. Tzolis' struggles as the lone striker underscored the team's need for a supportive second striker, highlighting the significance of proper positioning and chemistry in a team.
