Arsenal star told he’s too ‘heavy’ and must ‘get lighter’ to be a success in the Premier League | OneFootball

Arsenal summer signing Viktor Gyokeres has been told that he is too “heavy” and must “get lighter” if he is going to be a success in the Premier League.

Gyokeres joined Arsenal in the summer as he joined the Premier League giants in a deal worth around £63.5m.

The striker was on the radar of several clubs across Europe after he scored 54 goals in 52 appearances for Sporting Lisbon across all competitions, with Arsenal chosen as his preferred destination over Manchester United and clubs in the Saudi Pro League.

Some have doubted whether Gyokeres could make the step up to the Premier League and he has struggled against top opposition, with most of his goals coming against weaker sides.

Still, Gyokeres could easily end up scoring 15-20 goals by netting against lesser opponents this season and this could prove the difference as Arsenal look to win a major trophy this season.

Former Arsenal star Stefan Schwarz has doubted Gyokeres, though. He thinks his weight and other factors are behind his uninspiring start this season.

“I believe with Viktor Gyokeres, he’s not fully fit yet,” Schwarz said in an interview with Hajper.

“As well with the new system, new manager, and new teammates, it takes time to develop the understanding. It’s not just the physical part of it, it’s the mental part as well.

“Mental tiredness may be from adapting to a new club, new expectations, and higher expectations from supporters around the whole world.

“But it’s a good partnership (Gyokeres and Arsenal). And hopefully it will benefit Sweden for sure and Graham Potter.”

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He added: “Sometimes the dog who barks loudest is not always the strongest. I think it’s just the players in the Premier League. They are more powerful players, faster players.

“The strikers will always be counted on for the goals that they are scoring. Hopefully, he’ll start to create and score goals, have a good run, get that real boost, and get a bit lighter because he’s a heavy player. I think that would help.

“He didn’t have a proper pre-season, and you need to play the games. You have those six weeks to interact with your colleagues, to understand the movement. When the midfielder makes the pass, you just have to look in their eyes, you know where they’ll pass it.

“That’s a relationship that takes a bit of time, and football is about fine margins. Look at Dennis Bergkamp, he was the best at that. He will learn and score a lot of goals, and that will benefit Arsenal.”

Despite this, Schwarz thinks Gyokeres “is in the right team with Mikel Arteta and the players around him”, with the striker capable of helping the team “take a big step” forward once he “gets his fitness up”.