Stats Comparison: Palace Assess Options as Spurs Pursue Key Target | OneFootball

Palace’s stance on potential sale

Crystal Palace are weighing up their next steps amid Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Eberechi Eze. The South London club remain firm in their position that any departure will only be considered once a suitable replacement is secured. Discussions are ongoing between both clubs, though Palace’s negotiating stance has been strengthened by the expiry of the player’s release clause and the fact that he still has two years left on his contract.

Head coach Oliver Glasner is understood to be content with the situation, aware that the club hold a position of leverage. Eze featured in Palace’s recent goalless draw against Chelsea, further underlining his importance to the squad at present.

Tzolis emerges as creative option

One of the players under consideration by Palace is Christos Tzolis. The Club Brugge forward has been monitored closely due to his ability to operate across attacking roles, but particularly as a No 10. His development in Belgium has not gone unnoticed, and he is seen as a player capable of adapting quickly to the Premier League.

Palace’s recruitment team have long been attentive to emerging attacking talent across Europe, and Tzolis’ versatility, work rate and attacking output make him an appealing option if a transition becomes necessary.

El Khannouss admired by Leicester and Palace

Alongside Tzolis, Bilal El Khannouss has been identified as a potential successor should Eze depart. Currently contracted to Leicester City, the 20-year-old midfielder is regarded as one of the most technically gifted young players in his age group. Comfortable in advanced positions, El Khannouss is admired for his creativity and composure under pressure.

Palace’s interest reflects a clear recruitment strategy to maintain a high level of technical quality in their attacking midfield options. The Moroccan international has been on the radar of several top clubs, and his profile suggests a long-term investment for whoever secures his services.

Bilal El Khannouss and Christos Tzolis: A Statistical Snapshot

When comparing Bilal El Khannouss and Christos Tzolis over the last 365 days, two contrasting profiles emerge, each offering distinct qualities for potential suitors.

El Khannouss, playing predominantly as an attacking midfielder or winger, demonstrates strong defensive contributions for his role. His defensive percentiles are particularly impressive: 87% of dribblers tackled, 80% in combined tackles and interceptions, and 74% in aerial duels won.

These numbers indicate an attacking player who does not shy away from defensive duties. In possession, his ball progression is steady, ranking 77th percentile in progressive carries and 65th in touches, though his creative output is less striking, with only 6th percentile in shot-creating actions and 23rd in non-penalty expected goals (npxG). While not prolific going forward, El Khannouss offers balance, pressing intensity and tactical discipline.

Tzolis’ profile contrasts sharply, leaning heavily towards attacking influence. The Club Brugge forward ranks in the 98th percentile for non-penalty expected goals and 88th percentile for non-penalty goals, showing a consistent ability to generate and convert chances.

His creative metrics are equally impressive, with 96th percentile in expected assisted goals (xAG) and 81st percentile in assists. In possession, he adds significant value: 85th percentile for progressive carries and 95th for progressive passes received. Unlike El Khannouss, his defensive contribution is modest, with most metrics below the 50th percentile. Tzolis is best utilised as a final-third operator, tasked with chance creation and goal threat.

Summary

El Khannouss offers control and defensive work rate from advanced midfield, while Tzolis provides end product and attacking dynamism. Both profiles highlight different pathways for recruitment depending on whether a team requires midfield balance or pure attacking output.

Source: FBCharts | Data: Opta/FBRef

Spurs pushing but Palace remain in control

While Tottenham’s interest in Eze is ongoing, Palace remain under no immediate pressure to sanction a deal. With the expiration of his release clause, they have greater freedom to dictate terms and secure maximum value if negotiations progress. Spurs continue to monitor the situation closely, but the message from Selhurst Park is clear: no sale will be entertained until a replacement is firmly in place.

For now, Palace hold the stronger hand. By identifying targets such as Tzolis and El Khannouss, they are signalling that any transition will be carefully managed rather than forced. The weeks ahead will be decisive, with Tottenham keen to strengthen their squad and Palace intent on maintaining stability in a crucial area of the pitch.