Paul Scholes, a legend of Manchester United, has openly admired a current Arsenal player, acknowledging the qualities that would make him a valuable teammate despite some reservations about his overall skill set.
Arsenal currently leads the Premier League, recently bolstered by a convincing 4-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur. This win followed a pair of draws against Brentford and Wolves, demonstrating their resilience and attacking prowess.
Viktor Gyokeres, the Gunners’ summer signing, was instrumental in the Tottenham victory, scoring two goals and bringing his season total to an impressive 15. His initial adaptation to the team was gradual, but he’s now a key contributor with 10 Premier League goals.
While Scholes doesn’t place Gyokeres among the elite strikers like Ruud van Nistelrooy or Andy Cole, he emphasizes the Swede’s relentless work ethic and ability to occupy defenders. “I think you’d love to play with him, he works his bs off, he occupies them,” Scholes stated.
Scholes did offer a critical observation, suggesting Gyokeres benefited from facing a particularly disorganized Tottenham defense. He also pointed out a recurring challenge for Arsenal: breaking down teams that prioritize defensive solidity.
Nicky Butt acknowledged the criticism Gyokeres has faced, particularly when compared to Arsenal’s legendary forwards. However, he highlighted the quality of Gyokeres’ finishes in the recent match, describing them as “hit…as clean as a whistle.”
Eberechi Eze, a teammate, echoed Scholes’ sentiment, praising Gyokeres’ selfless contribution to the team. He explained how Gyokeres’ effort creates opportunities for others, putting players in advantageous positions.
Gary Neville was particularly impressed with Gyokeres’ performance against Tottenham, calling it his best of the season. Neville noted the significance of scoring twice against a major rival and the energy Gyokeres displayed throughout the entire match.
The victory showcased not only Gyokeres’ goal-scoring ability but also his dedication and impact on the team’s overall performance, earning him praise from both teammates and pundits alike.
