Viktor Gyokeres’ transformation in the second half of this season has been one of the more compelling subplots of Arsenal’s title-winning campaign.
But a key reason behind it may surprise a few people.
According to The Times, assistant coach Gabriel Heinze has played a significant role in improving Gyokeres’ hold-up play and link play.
These were the sort of areas that had been seen as weaknesses of the Swedish striker, as he struggled to shake off his reputation as a flat-track bully in the early part of the season.
There were clear signs of that improvement in his display against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-final, where he was a consistent presence and converted a composed penalty.
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Heinze replaced Carlos Cuesta as one of Mikel Arteta’s assistants prior to this season.
Arteta knew him from their time together at PSG and valued his fierce competitiveness.
Roy Keane, who was Heinze’s captain at Manchester United, famously described him as “a nasty f***er” in training in his autobiography.
That intensity is exactly what Arteta wanted to bring to the coaching staff.
But his influence has also contributed to a dramatic improvement in Arsenal’s disciplinary record — from 70 yellow and six red cards last season, the highest of any club, to 50 yellows, no reds and no penalties conceded this term.
How Arsenal unlocked Viktor Gyokeres as a weapon
As much as Heinze has been credited for Gyokeres’ improvement, it has not just been down to individual coaching.
Although some had already made up their mind on the £55 million striker being a complete flop, Wayne Rooney has been among those praising him throughout the season.
Now, with 21 goals across all competitions, Gyokeres has won the majority of fans over, and it’s largely because Arsenal have found smarter ways to use him.
Rather than asking him to hold up play under pressure all the time, they look to feed him early and allow his explosive pace and strength to do the damage in one-on-one situations.
Viktor Gyokeres has found his best form at exactly the right time, but it’s no accident. Behind the scenes, the work has been going on for months.
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