Heskey says Gyokeres 'not brilliant' at holding up play but worth keeping
Emile Heskey believes Viktor Gyokeres still has a part to play at Arsenal this season, but has made clear he does not see the striker becoming a regular starter under Mikel Arteta.
Gyokeres, who joined from Sporting for £64million last year, has fallen behind Kai Havertz in the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium. The Sweden international has featured 11 times across all competitions this season but started just five matches, two of which came in the Carabao Cup third and fourth rounds. His only goal of the campaign arrived on Tuesday night, bundled over the line from close range during the penalty shootout defeat to Fleetwood Town.
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Speaking on behalf of BestBettingSites.co.uk, Heskey explained why he thinks the system at Arsenal does not suit Gyokeres' strengths. “I like Havertz's movement and what he brings to this Arsenal team. I watched him when he was at Chelsea, and I liked his movement, his link up play and everything about his game,” he said.
“Gyokeres is a little bit different to the way that Arsenal want to play; he’s not that brilliant at holding the ball up and bringing in others; he prefers to play on the shoulder and run into space, but that space comes at a premium in the Premier League. I was hoping it would work out for him, but you can see why it hasn’t. He's more of an old school type of centre forward. I wouldn't tell Arsenal to cut their losses, because you’re always going to need a backup with the number of games they will play, and you always need a player that gives you that versatility to play against a different sort of style.”
Heskey added: “I definitely wouldn't say cut your losses, but I can't see him being a regular, if I'm honest.”
Arteta's view on the striker situation
Arteta named Havertz as his 30 goal a season man earlier this month, explaining the German's rapid adaptation up front. “He has that ability. That is why he is playing there as well, and that is why we signed him. He needs that volume of games and actions, and if you give him that, I am a big believer that yes, he can do it,” Arteta said.
On Gyokeres' confidence, Arteta was more guarded. “What he transmits to me is an incredible will and determination and work rate to improve and help the team. That's Viktor every single day, regardless of his position, whether he scores a goal or not, and that's why he's always an option to play. We are trying to help him as much as possible. He has some very good moments, but it's very small margins, and scoring, or not scoring, changes the narrative.”
What comes next
Gyokeres has started Arsenal's last two matches without doing enough to force his way back into firm contention. With Havertz expected to resume his central role for the trip to Anfield, Gyokeres looks set to remain a squad option rather than Arteta's first choice, as reported by football.london.
