Premier League legend Alan Shearer has heaped praise on Arsenal striker Viktor Gyökeres, highlighting how the Swedish forward’s movement has brought a new dimension to Mikel Arteta’s side this season.
Speaking on the BBC, Shearer explained how Gyökeres’ ability to stretch defences has made Arsenal far more unpredictable in attack.
“One of his strengths which has suited Arsenal is he actually goes in behind. When he does that, it creates space for others to play. Last season you had Havertz or Merino coming short and that’s easier for teams to defend against.”
It’s a tactical shift that’s clearly paying off. Unlike previous forwards who often preferred to receive the ball at feet, Gyökeres’ instinct to run beyond defenders and forces opposition backlines to retreat, opening up precious pockets of space for Arsenal’s creative midfielders to exploit.
Shearer continued:
“When you’re running the other way they get deeper and deeper and that then opens up space for others to play. I think from that point of view he has improved Arsenal.”
The former Newcastle United striker believes this change in attacking dynamics has made the Gunners more fluid and harder to contain, something that’s been evident in their early-season performances.
While Shearer doesn’t expect Gyökeres to replicate his staggering goal tally from his time in Portugal, he’s confident the 26-year-old will still deliver on the scoresheet.
“Will he get goals? I think he will get the goals, obviously, nowhere near as many as he got last season. But he will get goals with the number of chances that Arsenal create, he will, and his numbers should improve.”
Currently, Gyökeres has 3 goals in 8 PL matches (0.38 gaols per game), which is lower than expected of him, but with his adaptation progressing well, that number will soon increase.
It’s a ringing endorsement from one of the Premier League’s greatest ever goal scorers, and a sign that Arsenal’s new No.9 may be the missing piece Arteta has long been searching for.
