Former Premier League striker Troy Deeney has launched a scathing attack on Arsenal's £64m man Viktor Gyokeres, questioning his technical ability and tactical fit in Mikel Arteta's squad following a lackluster appearance against Chelsea.
- Troy Deeney compared Viktor Gyokeres to a 'horse trying to control a ball'.
- Gyokeres joined Arsenal from Sporting Lisbon for approximately £64 million.
- The striker currently sits behind Kai Havertz in the tactical pecking order.
- Concerns have been raised regarding his technical limitations and inability to link play.
Arsenal forward Viktor Gyokeres has found himself at the center of a sporting firestorm after a disappointing cameo in the Gunners' 2-1 victory over Chelsea. The Swedish international, who arrived with high expectations, has been brutally criticized by former Premier League striker Troy Deeney, who questioned whether the player possesses the technical quality required for the elite level.
Speaking to Paramount Plus, Deeney did not hold back in his assessment of Gyokeres' performance. "It’s like a horse trying to control a ball," Deeney remarked, suggesting that the striker suffers from a fundamental "limitation problem." He further noted that while Gyokeres is praised for his physicality and ability to run the channels, his first touch is often disastrous, causing the ball to bounce off him during critical transitions.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this critique highlights a growing rift between the profile of players Arsenal recruits and the tactical rigidity of Mikel Arteta's system. Arteta demands a striker who can act as a playmaker, a role currently filled perfectly by Kai Havertz. Gyokeres, while a goal-scoring machine in Portugal, lacks the 'link-up' intelligence required in the Premier League's most tactical side. This makes him an awkward fit for a team that prioritizes ball retention and intricate passing.
"When a player reaches 27 or 28, their technical ceiling is largely set; the struggle to adapt to a high-pressing, technical system often leads to a permanent benching."
Recruited from Sporting Lisbon for roughly £64m, Gyokeres was intended to be the definitive upgrade to Arsenal's attacking options. However, his debut season has been a mixed bag, and he has struggled to displace Havertz, who is far more suited to the fluid movement of the current starting XI.
The frustration surrounding his form is not new. Reports suggest that Arsenal explored options to move the striker on during the summer window, with links to other European clubs and interest in Julian Alvarez. Deeney believes that Arteta is likely questioning how to integrate a player who lacks the technical finesse to execute complex tactical instructions.
| Feature | Viktor Gyokeres | Kai Havertz |
|---|---|---|
| Playing Style | Physical Powerhouse / Finisher | Technical Link-up / False Nine |
| Ball Control | Poor (per Deeney) | High Precision |
| Tactical Fit | Limited in Arteta's System | Ideal for Current System |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did Troy Deeney criticize Viktor Gyokeres?
Deeney believes Gyokeres lacks the technical skill to control the ball effectively, comparing his movements to those of a horse.
2. Is Gyokeres likely to leave Arsenal?
Given his current standing in the pecking order and reported summer exit links, a transfer remains a strong possibility if form doesn't improve.
