Viktor Gyokeres has divided opinion since arriving at Arsenal.
The Swedish striker has scored 18 goals in all competitions in his debut season, which is a very respectable return. However, many still feel he has not fully convinced.
Gyokeres’ overall performances have been inconsistent, and he was even dropped in Arsenal’s last game against Manchester City. Kai Havertz started ahead of him, and the team looked a lot more fluid in attack.
Despite that, Patrick Vieira believes Gyokeres will come good.
Is Viktor Gyokeres underrated?
Patrick Vieira says he is convinced Viktor Gyokeres will score goals for Arsenal
Vieira has been impressed with what he has seen from Viktor Gyokeres, even if his performances have not always matched expectations.
The Arsenal legend highlighted the striker’s work rate and willingness to contribute to the team as key positives.
Gyokeres may not always be getting the service he needs, but his movement and effort have caught Vieira’s attention.
The former Sporting man is constantly making runs and trying to create space. He has sacrificed himself for the better of the team at times, and that has gone unnoticed.
That kind of attitude is something managers and teammates value highly, especially in a demanding system like Mikel Arteta’s.
Vieira, who played with legends like Thierry Henry, Nicolas Anelka and Zlatan Ibrahimovic back in the day, knows a good number nine when he sees one, and he is convinced that Gyokeres will score a ton of goals for his old side.
He told the club’s official website: “I’ve seen him working hard out of possession, and he’s always working hard for the team. I’ve seen him making the run to create that space, and for some reason, the ball didn’t get there yet.
“But I think he’s somebody who has more to give than what we’ve seen, and I like his energy, and I like his spirit when he’s on the field.
“He’s a real team player and scoring goals, he will score goals, I don’t have any doubt about that.”
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Viktor Gyokeres may have to wait until next season to prove his worth
While Vieira is backing Gyokeres, the reality of the situation may not work in his favour right now.
Kai Havertz’s performance against Manchester City, even though he missed two huge chances, likely strengthened his case to lead the line. Arsenal’s overall attacking play looked more fluid with the German in the team, and that is something Arteta will not ignore.
With the title race so tight and goal difference potentially crucial, Arsenal need to create as many chances as possible, and Havertz’s style seems to offer that.
That could limit Gyokeres to appearances off the bench in the remaining games, thus reducing his opportunities to make a big impact.
Vieira may well be right about the Swede’s long-term potential, but it looks like he may have to wait until next season to truly prove his worth at Arsenal.
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