Viktor Gyokeres will be breathing a huge sigh of relief to get his Premier League goal tally off and running.
Gyokeres fired a brace during Arsenal’s 5-0 victory over Leeds United and showed fans that he really is ready to be the main man in front of goal this season.
Gary Neville criticised Gyokeres for lacking composure in the first half, however, the Swede soon silenced the pundit with two trademark finishes.
Rio Ferdinand was a keen observer of the 27-year-old and thinks he has already spotted the ‘best trait’ that Gyokeres will bring to Mikel Arteta’s side. It has a huge impact on the rest of the team.
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Rio Ferdinand thinks Viktor Gyokeres is a powerful runner
Speaking on the latest episode of the ‘Rio Presents’ podcast, the former Manchester United defender has already highlighted the running power of Arsenal’s new number 14 as his most effective asset.
Alan Shearer was impressed by Gyokeres for his performance against Leeds and Ferdinand thinks his direct runs into the channel are going to be a positive influence on the likes of Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice.
Ferdinand stated: “Well, the two games I’ve seen now of him, I think that’s his best trait. His best trait is either running through, which is going to be difficult in most of the games, but I think away from home especially, you’ll have opportunities to do it where you can run onto things.
“That’s his best trait because he’s powerful, he’s quick enough and he can run through on things. And that’s where he looks most confident.
“Or running down the channels, running down the sides. And he’s now a different type of outlet for Arsenal.
“He gives you a different dimension that you haven’t had before. Havertz wants to ball into feet, he’s a different type of player.
“Whereas this guy can stretch the game, which will enable the lack of Odegaard when he’s fit, Eze, even Declan when he’s in there.
“In that little eight to ten spot area, if he’s stretching the team and the defenders back, that creates that space.
“And Arsenal haven’t been able to do that a lot with the number nines that they’ve been playing over the last year or two. So he’s definitely a different element for you guys.”
Arsenal will need to feed Viktor Gyokeres early at Anfield
Arteta’s side face a huge trip to Premier League champions Liverpool in their final fixture before the first international break of the season.
Bukayo Saka is expected to be out for a month with a hamstring injury sustained against Leeds, however, skipper Odegaard could yet be fit.
The blueprint for the Gunners at Anfield will be feeding Gyokeres down the side of the two centre backs early in transitions in order to cause Liverpool maximum problems on the counter-attack.
Arne Slot’s side will press high and try and get the crowd on side early during the game and that is where Arsenal can play to the strength that Ferdinand was referring to.
Even in Saka’s absence, Arsenal have players with the ability to find the Swede’s intelligent runs, Eberechi Eze could make his debut, whilst Ethan Nwaneri has also impressed at the start of the campaign.
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