Sweden manager Jon Dahl Tomasson has launched a defence of Swedish star Viktor Gyokeres, insisting critics of the Arsenal striker “don’t have a clue about football.”
“They Don’t Understand Football”: Tomasson Blasts Gyokeres Critics
Tomasson’s comments came ahead of Sweden’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Switzerland and Kosovo, where Gyokeres is expected to play a key role.
The striker has scored three goals in ten appearances for Arsenal since his summer move from Sporting CP, but is currently experiencing a lean spell, having failed to score in his last six outings for the Gunners.
The Sweden boss was unequivocal in his support for the 27-year-old forward. He dismissed the notion that Gyokeres has failed to make an impact at his new club, pointing to contributions that go beyond the scoreboard.
“Viktor Gyokeres is in very good form at the moment and is very good,” Tomasson told reporters.
“If people say he doesn’t have an impact [in matches], then they don’t understand football and don’t have a clue about football.
He creates space for other players, works on the ball and makes runs.
It’s excellent, and he scores goals almost all the time, so he has an impact and has been very good.”
Tomasson also highlighted that a period of adjustment is normal, stating, “It’s always nice, as you need time when you come to a new club.”
This positive assessment of Gyokeres’ start at Arsenal is shared by others in the game. Former England striker Gary Lineker recently noted that Gyokeres “gives [Arsenal] something different”.
“He gives them a threat behind, which creates more space for the midfield and even the wide players,” Lineker said on The Rest is Football podcast.
“The goals will come for him because of the service that he will inevitably get.”
The backing from his national team manager provides a welcome vote of confidence for Gyokeres.
As Sweden prepares for its critical World Cup qualifiers, Tomasson has made it clear he values the striker’s all-around game and remains confident the goals will follow.
