The end of the year is the ideal time for a review. The beginning of the new year, however, is also suitable for forecasts and making predictions. UEFA decided to create a list of the 50 young players that are expected to shine bright in 2021, and it included our very own Golden Boy.

Christos Tzolis started to make headlines last June. His appearances, however, were anything but unexpected. Those involved in developmental football knew his talent and considered that it was only a matter of time before he would become a household name in top level football.

The young forward vindicated those who believed in him and exceeded the expectations of those who saw another young player from the club’s academy make his debut. From the first few minutes he showed that he is ready to meet the demands of the pressure that comes with playing in the Greek championship for a top team.

And the half-term report? A total of 31 games, with nine goals and five assists recorded in 1929 minutes. His European appearances, in fact, have seen him raise eyebrows beyond the Greek border.

Tziolis, after all, scored two goals and registered one assist against Besiktas, goals and assists in both games against PSV Eindhoven, as well as producing excellent performances against both Benfica and Krasnodar.

The reporters from the UEFA website, therefore, included the young ace in their list of the 50 emerging talents that are expected to star in 2021, stating the following characteristics:

«A fast winger with an eye for goal. The 18-year-old impressed in the Europa League this season, scoring three goals and contributing two assists. He made his debut for the Greek national team in October 2020, while scoring his first international goal a month later.»