Former Arsenal left-back Armand Traore has criticised Viktor Gyokeres, claiming the striker does not possess the “killer instinct” or presence associated with some of the game’s greatest forwards.
Gyokeres scored 21 goals in all competitions last season as Arsenal won the Premier League and reached the Champions League final. However, his performances have not entirely convinced everyone since his move to the Emirates Stadium.
Armand Traore delivers verdict on Viktor Gyokeres
Traore, who faced Didier Drogba during his playing career, said Gyokeres lacked the imposing presence of the former Chelsea striker and other elite forwards.
“Gyokeres, I just don’t get that killer instinct that some of these guys had,” Traore said.
“I played against Drogba many times. My lord. He had such an aura. It stinks of, ‘I’m a leader’. I don’t get that with Gyokeres or Havertz.”
The former Arsenal defender also insisted he would not have been concerned about facing the Sweden international, despite Gyokeres’ prolific record at Sporting Lisbon before joining the Premier League club.
“If I was to play against Gyokeres I wouldn’t be worried. I was a very, very fast player. He could push it past me but there is no way he is getting past,” Traore said.
He compared the striker unfavourably with Arsenal great Thierry Henry, arguing that Henry’s pace and unpredictability made him a far more difficult opponent.
“Think of Thierry Henry and Gyokeres, it’s day and night. Try to play against Thierry, either way he goes it’s a problem. These players are a problem. Speed kills and I don’t see that Gyokeres is very quick.”
Gyokeres faces pressure to answer critics
Gyokeres has produced important moments in an Arsenal shirt, but Traore’s comments reflect the scrutiny surrounding the 28-year-old as he seeks to establish himself at the club.
Kai Havertz is now understood to be Mikel Arteta’s first-choice striker, while reports in the source material state that Gyokeres has attracted interest from clubs in Serie A and the Saudi Pro League after falling down the pecking order.
Arsenal’s lack of depth in attack could still provide Gyokeres with further opportunities to change perceptions in the weeks and months ahead.
