A former Arsenal and Sweden international has suggested striker Viktor Gyökeres needs to improve his physical condition and adapt mentally to thrive at his new club, Arsenal, following his transfer from Sporting CP.
Stefan Schwarz, who previously played for Arsenal, specifically advised Gyökeres to “lose some weight” because he considers him a “heavy player.” Schwarz emphasized that this physical adjustment would aid the striker.
The former Benfica player noted that physical strength alone is not always sufficient for the Premier League, where power and speed are essential attributes for players.
Schwarz also stated that Gyökeres “is not totally fit” and requires time to adjust to Arsenal’s new tactical system, coach, and teammates.
The adaptation challenge extends beyond physical conditioning, encompassing potential mental fatigue stemming from new environments and heightened expectations from fans and the club.
The delayed transfer from Sporting CP meant Gyökeres missed crucial pre-season training with Arsenal. This absence denied him several weeks of interaction vital for understanding team movement and building on-field chemistry with his new colleagues.
Speaking to an English betting firm, Schwarz expressed optimism that the partnership between Gyökeres and Arsenal could ultimately be successful.
He believes Gyökeres can help Arsenal, a team competing for major titles, achieve significant milestones. Schwarz anticipates the striker will eventually learn, score many goals, and benefit both Arsenal and Sweden’s national team.
For this success to materialize, Schwarz concluded that “all pieces have to be aligned.”