 Two years later, Tziolis exceptional season year with both PAOK and Kayserispor was his passport not only to be called by Santos to the 30-man provisional World Cup squad, but also to the final 23-man squad for 2014 FIFA World Cup.Tziolis is a tall defensive midfielder, good in air, with powerful long shots.He plays a "silent" role in the game, and he tends to occupy the role of a deep-lying playmaker more than a defensive stopper.