Former Arsenal stalwart Sol Campbell has cast a vote of confidence in the direction of Gunners’ forward Viktor Gyokeres, declaring him “built for the Premier League” and predicting greatness once he tunes in fully to the demands of English football’s top division.
Arsenal sought to plug a vital gap in their squad with the acquisition of Gyokeres, a move intended to propel them from perennial runners-up to league champions. Despite recent near-misses, a prolific striker was conspicuously absent, and Gyokeres appeared the ideal fit. His experience in England’s second tier with an impressive spell at Coventry City and a stunning goal tally with Sporting CP – including 54 goals in all competitions last season – made him a tantalising prospect.
Yet, the Swedish international has not yet hit his stride at Arsenal, netting a modest six goals since his summer switch. However, Campbell believes it’s only a matter of time before he finds his feet and flourishes.
Speaking to Paddy Power, Campbell said: “Once they [his team-mates] understand Gyokeres’ movement and once he gets up to speed with the quickness and the cut and thrust of the Premier League, he will be great. He’s built for the Premier League, and his team-mates have to understand the runs he makes, feeding him the ball when he’s in the right position for him.”
Campbell further elucidated on the nuances of supporting a striker like Gyokeres: “Every centre-forward wants to be fed in different ways. What Thierry Henry wanted was different to Freddie Ljungberg and was different again for Jose Reyes or Dennis Bergkamp. Gyokeres is a different player and you have to feed him in the way he prefers to get the best out of him.”
Gyokeres hinted at his potential with a decisive performance against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, netting twice, underscoring his ability to find himself in advantageous positions in the box. With the service from Arsenal’s midfield artillery, his goal-scoring chances should amplify.
Arsenal supporters will be hopeful that Campbell’s optimism is well-founded, seeing Gyokeres emerge as the goal-scoring dynamo they desperately need to clinch Premier League glory.