Arsenal have had a fabulous start to the Premier League season and they are four points ahead of second-placed Manchester City after 11 games.
The Gunners have had plenty of injury troubles in the early months, but a number of key players could return to first-team action after the international break.
Viktor Gyokeres is one of those anticipated to return. The Swede has netted six goals from 14 appearances this term, including four in the league.
Speaking to Amazon Prime Video Sport, Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney named the Swede as one of his top three players in the league this term.
He said: “Third one, I’d probably go Gyokeres I think. Arsenal have been crying out for a number nine for a few years now and he’s come in and his work rate, his determination, his hold-up play and obviously scoring a few goals as well.”
Gyokeres had a phenomenal 2024/25 campaign with Sporting CP. He registered a staggering 54 goals and provided 13 assists from just 52 appearances.
No one expects him to replicate the feat with Arsenal, given the Premier League is much more intense and physical compared to the Portuguese top tier.
Gyokeres has still impressed with his strong presence and hold-up play upfront. He has fared well with six goals from 14 appearances for the Gunners thus far.
The 27-year-old had his best game at Burnley with a goal and a terrific long ball for Leandro Trossard, who provided the assist for Declan Rice’s header.
Just when he was finding his feet, Gyokeres sustained a muscle injury which has ruled him out for the last couple of games at Slavia Prague and Sunderland.
It remains to be seen whether the £66 million-rated star will be fit in time to face Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Rooney’s praise is somewhat surprising, given Erling Braut Haaland has been the standout striker in the league by a mile during the ongoing season.
The United favourite obviously did not want to pick him due to the Manchester City rivalry.
Hopefully, his comments will act as words of wisdom for Gyokeres, who has a huge role to play for Arsenal as they aim to preserve their slender advantage at the top of the league.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com