Viktor Gyokeres Doesn’t Need Goals to Do Damage for Arsenal, Says Theo Walcott

Viktor Gyokeres and His Challenges at Arsenal

Viktor Gyokeres, a 27-year-old forward signed from Sporting CP for £55 million in the summer, has faced early difficulties adapting to life at Arsenal. The Swede’s form has dipped significantly, with him failing to score in his last seven club games and nine matches overall.

Despite these struggles, Theo Walcott, an ex-Arsenal winger, remains optimistic about Gyokeres’ potential impact on the team. According to Walcott, Gyokeres poses a significant threat beyond just scoring goals, making him integral to Mikel Arteta’s squad in his own unique way.

Impact Beyond Goals: Theo Walcott’s Perspective

Theo Walcott highlighted that Gyokeres is not merely a goal-scorer but a constant problem for opposition defenses. “Gyokeres is not scoring as much as you would want him to, however he is a problem,” Walcott said. “When I say problem, he likes to put the centre-halves on the back foot, he likes to go in behind.”

Walcott emphasized that Gyokeres’ presence helps free up space for other players like Bukayo Saka and Reiss Nelson, who can exploit the gaps created by his movements. “Mikel has already said it; he likes to destroy centre-halves,” Walcott noted. “Even if he’s not scoring goals, he’s still a problem for me and he’s the difference of Arsenal not drawing as many.”

Moreover, Gyokeres’ physicality and willingness to engage in confrontations with defenders can unsettle them, which could lead to more opportunities for teammates. Walcott added: “They’ll try and frustrate him and try and upset him and I think he could get a bit more aggressive at times. I think he could use his body more because he’s got it in him.”

Champions League Potential: A New Stage for Viktor Gyokeres

Theo Walcott believes that the Champions League could be where Viktor Gyokeres truly thrives, drawing on his past success with Sporting CP. Last season, Gyokeres scored six goals in five Champions League matches and even netted a hat-trick against Manchester City.

Walcott argues that the more open nature of European competition might suit Gyokeres better: “I think the Champions League is where the games may become a bit more open for him in time. Not particularly this one I wouldn’t have thought, but you put him in the starting line-up against PSG, he probably gets a couple because he is in those positions.” Walcott sees potential value in Gyokeres’ ability to create chances and contribute through set pieces.

While his goal-scoring record has been underwhelming so far, Walcott emphasizes that Gyokeres’ impact lies beyond the numbers. “A lot of people spoke about him not scoring goals, but for me he’s creating chances for other people and he’s getting the best out of other players.”

Conclusion

Arsenal’s Unselfish Player

Theo Walcott concludes by praising Gyokeres’ unselfish nature as a key trait. “I think when you have players that are unselfish – he does his unselfish runs and he doesn’t stop because he’s not getting it – that’s a good player for me.” Walcott believes this attitude, combined with Gyokeres’ physical presence and goal-scoring potential in the Champions League, could make him an asset to Arsenal’s lineup.

As Arsenal prepares to face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, Walcott’s support for Gyokeres suggests that there is still hope for a breakthrough performance from the Swede. With Arsenal’s strong defense ensuring fewer pressing situations at home, Walcott sees clear pathways where Gyokeres can flourish and become an integral part of Mikel Arteta’s strategy.