Rio Ferdinand
Image credit: Getty Images
Rio Ferdinand has issued a caution to clubs considering a move for Viktor Gyökeres, following the Swedish striker’s subdued performance in Sporting Lisbon’s 5-1 loss to Arsenal in the Champions League.
The Gunners delivered a commanding performance at the Estádio José Alvalade, ending Sporting’s year-long unbeaten home record. The Portuguese side had been in scintillating form, boasting 11 league wins and a 4-1 demolition of Manchester City earlier in the competition.
Despite his reputation soaring after a hat-trick against City, Gyökeres struggled to make an impact against Arsenal’s formidable defensive duo, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães. The pair successfully neutralised his threat in a physical battle that tested the striker’s abilities.
READ MORE: Arsenal star players’ brother making waves at Hale End
Gyökeres, who has been linked with Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea, has a £65 million release clause, but Ferdinand believes the forward failed to prove he could handle the rigours of Premier League football.
Viktor Gyökeres against Gabriel Magalhae
Viktor Gyökeres against Gabriel Magalhaes (Image credit: Getty Images)
“His strengths played into the strengths of the two central defenders he was up against, and that’s what he’d find in the Premier League week in, week out,” Ferdinand told TNT Sport. “Two big, strong centre-halves most of the time. Can he deal with them?”
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NOW.ARSENAL WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
Ferdinand noted that Gyökeres only found some success after Gabriel was substituted and Jakub Kiwior came on.
“It wasn’t until Gabriel went off that he got a bit of joy against Kiwior, who isn’t as big or strong. These two [Saliba and Gabriel] are the best partnership around, and they didn’t give him an ounce all game. He’s been destroying teams running the channels, but these guys looked supremely comfortable.
“Have I seen enough to say he can come to the Premier League and be a success? I’m not saying he wouldn’t, but you’d need to see more than what we saw today.”
NEXT ARTICLE: Bukayo Saka makes huge revelation about Martin Ødegaard following Sporting win