Sweden boss Jon Dahl Tomasson has leapt to the defence of Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres following questions on his impression in matches for Mikel Arteta’s aspect.
Since his reported £63.5m (€73.5m) swap from Sporting CP over the summer season, Gyokeres has scored three objectives in 10 appearances throughout all competitions for the Gunners.
Nonetheless, since netting in a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest final month, as he grew to become the third Arsenal participant to attain in each of his two Premier League dwelling video games, Gyokeres has didn’t web in his final six video games in all competitions.
Of gamers to try 15 or extra pictures within the top-flight in 2025, Gyokeres’ anticipated objectives (xG) complete of three.1 is a complete solely bettered by Manchester Metropolis’s Erling Haaland (7.8) and Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo (3.6), proving he’s getting the possibilities to attain.
And although solely Jaidon Anthony, Igor Thiago (each 4), Semenyo (six) and Haaland (9) have scored extra objectives than the Swede within the Premier League this time period, some onlookers have questioned if he’s having a unfavourable impression on the Arsenal group.
However there isn’t a denying his high quality in entrance of objective.
Certainly, Gyokeres’ 39 objectives within the 2024-25 season had been greater than another participant throughout Europe’s prime 10 leagues, and eight higher than second-best Kylian Mbappe.
And forward of Sweden’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers in opposition to Switzerland and Kosovo, Tomasson delivered a passionate defence of Gyokeres.
“Gyokeres is in excellent kind in the mean time and is superb,” Tomasson informed reporters.
“If individuals say he doesn’t have an effect [on matches], then they don’t perceive soccer and don’t have a clue about soccer.
“He creates house for different gamers, works on the ball and makes runs. It’s glorious, and he scores objectives virtually on a regular basis, so he has an impression and has been excellent.
“It’s at all times good, as you want time if you come to a brand new membership.”
Sweden are third of their Group B, having taken only one level from their opening two fixtures in opposition to Slovenia and Kosovo.
