At a Glance:
- Alan Shearer praises Viktor Gyokeres.
- Explains why Gyokeres is excelling at Arsenal now.
- Why PSG clash could suit Gyokeres.
Viktor Gyokeres has suddenly evolved into a bankable striker for Arsenal in recently after largely struggling in his debut season at the Emirates Stadium.
David Raya singled Gyokeres out for praise against Atletico Madrid as the way he held up the ball and won duels was instrumental in the Gunners’ 1-0 win.
Gyokeres starred against Fulham as well and it seems like he has picked up form at the perfect time of the season.
Alan Shearer revealed why he reckons the Swede looks like he has found his feet in the famous red and white strip.
Alan Shearer says Arsenal’s direct approach suits Viktor Gyokeres
Shearer lauded Gyokeres’ exploits against Atletico Madrid on The Rest Is Football podcast and claimed that the reason why he is thriving at Arsenal is because they are finding him early.
“His hold-up play, I thought was brilliant and of course, that run in behind [in the lead-up to Bukayo Saka’s goal] and I said it after a game or two, if you’re going to get the best out of Gyokeres, you have to get balls early into him. Not just balls up to him but balls in behind and balls into the box.”
Alan Shearer went on to explain why it is especially important to look for a striker like Gyokeres as early as possible.
“Particularly him, I think there’s nothing flashy about his play. He relies so much on teammates to supply him with balls. I think he looks [like] an average player if you don’t do that.
Shearer added: “But once you get the ball into him quickly, once you get your ball in behind quickly and balls into the box, that’s what he feeds off and that’s when he looks like a good player.”
Viktor Gyokeres could cause real damage against PSG
Arsenal fans will be hoping that their side follow the same approach as Alan Shearer suggested to get the best out of Gyokeres against PSG in the Champions League final.
As William Saliba said, Gyokeres is a “big player” and seems to embrace partaking in the blockbuster games. The former Sporting CP goalscorer will be looking forward to the clash in Budapest.
While PSG’s defence was rock-solid against Bayern Munich on Wednesday, it is key to note that how much they tend to play on the front foot. For a player like Gyokeres who excels on the counter-attack, such a game could suit him to a tee.
If Arsenal can supply balls to the 27-year-old in space when they attack PSG, there is every chance that he could have a game for the ages.
