Cristhian Mosquera shares what it’s really like facing Viktor Gyokeres in Arsenal training
Cristhian Mosquera and Viktor Gyokeres were two very different signings at Arsenal.
The Spaniard was recruited to replace William Saliba at the heart of the defense. He cost just £13m and was seen as a player of the future.
Gyokeres, on the other hand, was the striker signing Arsenal fans had been waiting for since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left the club.
Surprisingly, Mosquera has received the most praise in the first three months of the season, but the defender is well aware of the striker’s prowess.
Cristhian Mosquera delivers verdict on Viktor Gyokeres after training against him
Viktor Gyokeres was the world’s most prolific striker during his time at Sporting CP.
The Sweden international scored 97 goals in two seasons there and was the main reason they won the Portuguese league title in back-to-back campaigns.
Gyokeres has had a decent start to life at Arsenal so far, but the fact he has scored just three goals in 10 games has attracted some criticism.
However, Cristhian Mosquera, who faces him in training almost every day, revealed that it was not at all easy to play against Gyokeres.
Asked about the attacker, he told AS: “It’s a beast, an animal!
“Training with him helps defenders improve. There were great players at Valencia, but training with these types of top footballers is a big step forward.”
Viktor Gyokeres does more than score goals for Arsenal
Every Arsenal fan knew that Gyokeres would not be able to match his numbers at Sporting CP in the Premier League.
The English top flight is the toughest league in the world, and it is never easy for players coming from abroad to take to the field.
However, Gyokeres does much more than just score goals.
The Swede’s runs put the opposing defense to the test time and time again during matches. Even if his teammates can’t find him, the way he draws defenders towards him creates space for other attackers.
This helps Arsenal’s wingers immensely, which is why Gyokeres should not be judged solely on his goals each week.