Rio Ferdinand Disagrees with Gary Lineker on Arsenal’s £64m Signing Viktor Gyokeres
Gary Lineker believes Viktor Gyokeres must start scoring against top Premier League teams to shed the label of a “flat-track bully.” However, Rio Ferdinand strongly disagrees and predicts that Gyokeres will lead Arsenal to the Premier League title.
Gyokeres’ Performance and Criticism
Arsenal invested £64 million from Sporting Lisbon to acquire the Swedish striker. His initial displays have divided opinion among fans and experts. While praised for his work rate, tenacity, and skill in disrupting defenses, Gyokeres has scored only six goals in 14 games across all competitions.
In the Premier League, his four goals so far have come solely against lower-table teams like Leeds, Nottingham Forest, and Burnley. This has led some to brand the 27-year-old as a “flat-track bully”—a player who excels against weaker opposition but struggles in big matches.
“I don’t want to call him a flat-track bully, that’s a bit unfair,” said former England striker Gary Lineker on the Rest is Football podcast.
Ferdinand’s Optimism
Contrasting with Lineker’s concerns, Rio Ferdinand remains confident in Gyokeres’ potential. He believes the striker’s attributes will ultimately help Arsenal contend for the Premier League trophy.
Summary
While some question Viktor Gyokeres’ ability to perform in high-profile games, Rio Ferdinand trusts that his qualities will be crucial to Arsenal’s title ambitions.
Would you like the tone to be more formal or casual?