Viktor Gyokeres has had a very different start to the season for club and country.
At Arsenal, the striker has barely featured in the Premier League and has failed to make an impact. For Sweden, however, he has been exceptional and is breaking records.
Gyokeres became the first player to score in seven consecutive Nations League games during this international break, having found the net in all four of Sweden’s fixtures.
Mikel Arteta watched his centre-forward closely while he represented his country over the last three weeks and has now shared his thoughts.
Mikel Arteta admits he questioned himself after Viktor Gyokeres’ goals for Sweden
Viktor Gyokeres hasn’t had the start to the season that he would’ve liked.
After scoring over 20 goals last season and helping Arsenal win the Premier League title, we’re sure he would’ve hoped to get more time on the pitch. However, in the league, he has played just 29 minutes so far.
That is nowhere near enough for a goalscorer like him, which is why Gyokeres publicly claimed he would like to play more.
Now, the Swede may finally get his chance due to Kai Havertz’s injury, and he must be full of confidence after scoring in each of his country’s four games during the break.
Even Arteta must be impressed with Gyokeres because he has now admitted that he questioned himself after watching the striker star on the international stage.
When asked about squad players like him and Mikel Merino bagging goals for their countries, Arteta said, as per Arseblog: “Well, the first reaction is, “What am I doing that with me they don’t do this, or they haven’t been given the opportunity to do that?” That’s a natural one, you know? But then you obviously are really happy.
“I’m very happy that they are able to help the national teams in that way, because I haven’t done it, but it should be one of the best feelings to represent your country and do it in such a way.”
Arsenal vs Leeds United is the perfect game for Viktor Gyokeres
Gyokeres is at his best in transitional games, and Arsenal’s clash against Leeds United is expected to be exactly that.
Daniel Farke’s side have had a great start to the season, and they are a team who aren’t afraid to press high and try to take the game to the opposition.
That should open up space in transition for Gyokeres, who benefited from that against Leeds in the same fixture at the start of last season.
This is the perfect game for the former Sporting man to stake his claim under Arteta again. Whether he will take advantage of that, however, remains to be seen.