Cristiano Ronaldo hailed Arsenal’s new summer recruit Viktor Gyökeres as a “special player” despite some radically premature concerns.
After threats of blackmail and playing strikes, Arsenal belatedly secured a deal for Gyökeres this summer. The new recruit, who could cost as much as €73 million (£63.4 million, $85.1 million) if all add-ons are triggered, had a delayed introduction to Mikel Arteta’s first-team squad, only joining up midway through their summer tour of Asia.
Shortly following his cameo debut in defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, which amounted to a grand total of two touches, Gyökeres was handed his first start against Villarreal on Wednesday. The burly centre forward was largely anonymous throughout his 63 minutes on the pitch during a 3–2 reverse at the Emirates Stadium, forcing Arteta to come out and defend his new marquee signing before he has even enjoyed a minute of competitive action.
Ronaldo was also quick to praise Gyökeres, who scored 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting CP. Looking at his move away from Lisbon through a Portuguese lens, the former Sporting winger was nevertheless confident that his boyhood club would be able to replace their prolific goalscorer.
“We only miss those who are there, that’s what they say. I believe Sporting will be competitive,” he told assembled reporters after Al Nassr’s recent friendly against Rio Ave.
“Gyökeres was a special player, but the team will have to adapt. I believe [Luis Javier] Suárez, who arrived from Almería, is an excellent forward. [Conrad] Harder is also a good player, young, and needs time. I saw the Super Cup; Sporting performed well against Benfica, but they didn’t win because they couldn’t—that’s football.”
Former Arsenal icon Ian Wright is suitably impressed by Gyökeres’s perceived desire to succeed, comparing the Swede’s circuitous career to his own late arrival in north London. “I heard Mark Robins from Coventry say that every time Gyökeres trained, he looked like somebody in a rush, in a hurry, he needs to make up time and I totally got that because once I got to Arsenal I realised I was in a place where I could make up time,” Wright mused.
Gyökeres has a bit more time before making his official Arsenal debut. The Gunners are in action against Athletic Club on Saturday before travelling to Manchester United’s Old Trafford home for the standout fixture of the Premier League’s opening weekend.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Cristiano Ronaldo Delivers Viktor Gyokeres Verdict After Patchy Arsenal Start.
