At a Glance:
- Wayne Rooney heaps praise on Viktor Gyokeres during Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid.
- What Arsenal players must “respect about Gyokeres.”
- Gyokeres’ stats against Atletico Madrid.
Viktor Gyokeres put in an all-action display for Arsenal as they beat Atletico Madrid 1-0 to reach the Champions League final.
Gyokeres worked tirelessly against Atletico Madrid, as he battled their defenders from the first whistle and put in a shift any centre-forward would have been proud of.
Since his move to the Emirates Stadium, the Swede has often come under criticism from fans and pundits alike.
Wayne Rooney, who admires Gyokeres heaped praise on him during Tuesday’s contest.
Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid: Wayne Rooney says Arsenal players must respect Viktor Gyokeres
Rooney initially claimed that the physicality that Gyokeres brings to the table is a huge part of the game, as was evidenced by the striker’s relentless showing for Arsenal against Atletico Madrid.
The Manchester United legend said on BBC Sport: “Nowadays, everyone wants to see players on YouTube and players doing skills, but that [physicality] is a big part of the game.”
Wayne Rooney believes the Arsenal players must admire how Gyokeres puts himself about from the get-go, as he said: “That is something which Gyokeres’ teammates will really respect what he does.”
Rooney also lauded Gyokeres’ involvement in Bukayo Saka’s goal, as his run kickstarted the move, saying: “That number nine work in previous seasons, Arsenal have fallen a bit short. The goal comes from Viktor Gyokeres doing the hard work, making the runs in behind and sacrificing his potion for his team.”
Viktor Gyokeres stats as Arsenal beat Atletico Madrid
The 27-year-old will be honoured to be singled out for praise by a footballing great like Wayne Rooney.
However, it is hard to disagree with the retired forward’s assesment.
The statistics further back why Wayne Rooney was right to laud Gyokeres’ showing for Arsenal against Atletico Madrid.
| Viktor Gyokeres vs Atletico Madrid | Statistics |
| Duels won | 3 |
| Clearances | 1 |
| Shots | 3 |
| Touches in opposition box | 4 |
The former Sporting CP goalscorer took four touches in the opposition box and three shots but simultaneously, he was willing to do the dirty work by making one clearance and winning three duels.
Gyokeres may not have got on the scoresheet but his performance was one that embodied Arsenal’s never-say-die attitude on the pitch.
