Viktor Gyokeres likened to 95-goal Premier League striker, but Arsenal have one clear concern
Viktor Gyokeres’ early life at Arsenal saw the striker compared to a ruthless Premier League goalscorer.
Gyokeres joined Arsenal from Sporting in the summer transfer window as one of Mikel Arteta’s biggest purchases.
The 27-year-old has not scored in his last six appearances, with two of Gyokeres’ goals coming against Leeds on matchday two.
Viktor Gyokeres compared to Ruud van Nistelrooy
Although former Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang currently outperforms Gyokeres, the Sweden international has been compared to Man United icon Ruud van Nistelrooy.
This is what former Man United coach René Meulensteen said, according to the Metro (October 12), although they remain concerned about the Gyokeres match.
“Viktor Gyokeres is physical and direct, it’s good for him to get back on the scoresheet” said Meulensteen.
“He quickly established himself at Sporting after leaving Brighton, and it’s good that he’s now doing so at Arsenal, an attacking football club.
“He should have plenty of opportunities and must convert them. Ruud van Nistelrooy was a veritable goal machine, living only to score goals if he was given the favor. In this regard, I can see similarities in Gyokeres.
“However, does he score goals as ruthlessly as Ruud? Those are big shoes to fill, as that was Ruud’s greatest quality, and Gyokeres has yet to prove it.
“But he got off to a good start with a few goals. We’ll see what he looks like in six months, he might run and score every week, who knows?
Gyokeres’ next Arsenal game is against Fulham, where he should be keen to get on the scoresheet against the Cottagers.
Gyokeres received his award during the international break
Despite Gyokeres’ slow pace in goals at Arsenal, the striker’s record at Sporting has earned him the 2024-25 Nations League Golden Boot.
Gyokeres won the award during the international break, according to TNT Sports on X, and Arsenal will be hoping they can rediscover that ruthless touch in front of goal to bolster their title hopes.
| Minutes played | 578 |
| Gunshots | 15 |
| Shots on target | 5 |
| Expected objectives | 3.02 |
His xG in the Premier League currently matches the goals he has scored for the club, showing that with better service he could start scoring freely.
A front line established by Arteta would help Gyokeres build relationships with his teammates, but the strong depth of Arsenal’s squad means he can and will continue to rotate.