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EXCLUSIVE: Former Gunner Aliadiere on what Gyokeres brings to Arsenal besides goals

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Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres celebrates scoring against Atletico Madrid
Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres celebrates scoring against Atletico MadridAction Images via Reuters / Andrew Couldridge

Former Arsenal striker Jeremie Aliadiere was delighted for Viktor Gyokeres after his double in their Champions League win against Atletico Madrid midweek.

The Swede broke a seven-match goalless run with a brace in Arsenal's 4-0 triumph at the Emirates.

Reflecting on Gyokeres' impact so far this season, Aliadiere agreed with former England captain Alan Shearer, who has stated the centre-forward, even without the goals, has improved the Gunners.

Aliadiere told Tribal Football: "You know, I've been following Arsenal, working for Arsenal all summer, every game.

"And I've seen the team playing completely differently this season because of Gyokeres being in the team.

"I think what he provides, unless you understand deeply the game and you've played as a striker and you know how difficult it is, you can't quite see the work he does because it's very unselfish work, it's very (important) teamwork, and unfortunately, people, normal fans, just want to see him scoring goals.

"And it's not always just about scoring goals and I know I've been criticised a lot in my career for not scoring enough, but what I was providing in terms of assists and hard working and high pressing and sometimes your team is in difficulties and then you're defending, defending and then you're getting tired and then just the ball over the top, you need your striker to go and give you a breather, go and hold the ball up there for your team.

"Make all your teammates come up with you and have a bit of a rest. And Gyokeres is unbelievable with that. It's really, really good."

Perfect for Arsenal and the Premier League

On Gyokeres' long-term value to Arsenal and their title hopes, Aliadiere is adamant.

He added: "You've got the strikers that, you know, can assist, come short. But Gyokeres is a number nine. He's a pure number nine. He's running behind.

"He's scored so many goals for Sporting. So he can't be happy with coming to Arsenal and not scoring goals, of course not. And of course, he will be the first one to beat himself up and want to score a goal.

"I can tell you, he'll be the first critic, he'll be the first one thinking, 'oh my God, I want to score, I want to score tonight, I want to score'.

"(But) you know, when you play for Arsenal and all the goals that we scored and the chances we create, I just can't believe that he's going to go so many more games without scoring."

Gyokeres' numbers in the Premier League this season to date
Gyokeres' numbers in the Premier League this season to dateFlashscore

Aliadiere continued: "I think he is definitely at the moment adapting to a new country, to a new Premier League, obviously a new league, and to a new club as well.

"I think everything he does at the moment, obviously, in an ideal world, he will be on 10 goals, and then it would be magical and fantastic, but it doesn't always happen like that.

"But for me, in my eyes, the way he's been performing, working hard, creating chances for the others by his unselfish movement, I'm sure in terms of goal scoring, he'll turn around and he will end up scoring a lot of goals for us."

Jeremie Aliadiere was speaking to Tribalfootball on behalf of WhichBookie

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