Gyokeres’ Impact at Arsenal Extends Beyond Goal Count, Says Rooney
Despite a modest goal tally, Viktor Gyokeres is proving to be a valuable asset for Arsenal, creating opportunities for teammates and disrupting opposing defenses, according to recent analysis. The Swedish forward, acquired from Sporting Lisbon for a substantial fee, is being evaluated on more than just his scoring record as he adapts to his new role.
Arsenal invested heavily in Gyokeres, securing his services for £62.4 million. While the forward has only registered seven goals in 20 appearances across all competitions this season, his overall contribution is gaining recognition.
Beyond the Scoreline: Gyokeres’ Tactical Value
The pressure to deliver goals is immense for any high-profile signing, and Arsenal fans have understandably anticipated a greater return from their investment in Gyokeres. However, a prominent voice in football, former Manchester United player Wayne Rooney, argues that focusing solely on goals overlooks the player’s broader impact.
“He played more than you saw,” Rooney explained on Sportskeeda. “Even (last) Saturday, he troubled the two centre-backs (James) Tarkowski and Michael Keane.” This disruption, Rooney contends, generates space and opportunities for Arsenal’s attacking midfielders and wingers.
Creating Space for Arsenal’s Attack
Rooney further elaborated on Gyokeres’ ability to influence the game even without finding the back of the net. “It creates a bit more excitement for your team’s number 10 or your winger who is cutting inside,” he stated. This suggests that Gyokeres’ presence and movement are actively contributing to a more dynamic and unpredictable attacking flow for Arsenal.
The former Sporting Lisbon player scored a crucial goal from the penalty spot in Arsenal’s recent victory over Everton at Goodison Park, demonstrating his ability to deliver in key moments. However, Rooney emphasizes that Gyokeres’ value extends beyond these decisive goals.
“I think he is important for Arsenal. He is doing a job that helps other players, he just hasn’t scored the goals you would expect from him,” Rooney concluded. This assessment highlights a growing understanding that Gyokeres’ contribution to Arsenal’s success is multifaceted and not solely defined by his goal-scoring statistics.
