Wayne Rooney hails Arsenal star who has been a ‘major factor’ in pursuit of historic double

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Wayne Rooney has lauded Viktor Gyokeres as a “major factor” in Arsenal’s ambitious pursuit of an historic Premier League and Champions League double this season.

The Sweden international, a high-profile £64million summer acquisition from Sporting Lisbon, initially faced a challenging start, netting just three times in his first 11 appearances and enduring a subsequent 10-game drought without a goal from open play.

However, Gyokeres has since rediscovered his prolific form, scoring five times in his last nine matches and earning widespread praise for his all-round contribution to Arsenal’s impressive winning streak.

This resurgence has propelled the Gunners to within two victories of their first league title in 22 years, alongside securing a spot in the Champions League final.

Wayne Rooney has been impressed by Viktor Gyokeres (PA Wire)

With 21 goals across all competitions this season, Gyokeres has emulated Arsenal legends Thierry Henry and Ian Wright by reaching the 20-goal mark in his debut campaign, despite trailing Erling Haaland’s tally for Manchester City by 16 goals.

Speaking on SkyBet’s The Overlap EFL Fan Debate, Rooney, a prolific scorer himself with 208 Premier League goals for Manchester United and Everton, articulated his admiration for the striker.

“I’ve said this all season and I have been criticised for saying it, but I actually really like him,” Rooney stated. “What he brings to that Arsenal team is that he occupies defenders. He makes them work, he makes them defend, he runs the channels.”

Rooney further elaborated on Gyokeres’s tactical importance: “And what we’ve seen recently is that it’s creating more space for Eberechi Eze and for Bukayo Saka – because if one, or both centre-backs have to go and cover him and then the full-back has to cover round, when you switch the ball quickly, it creates so much space for everyone just in behind him.”

Gyokeres has found form at a crucial stage in the season (PA Wire)

He concluded, “over the last few weeks he has been showing that even more and if Arsenal go on to win the league and the Champions League, he’ll be a major reason behind it, because that’s where Arsenal have been short in the last few years.”

Arsenal’s quest for the Premier League title hinges on winning their remaining fixtures: against Burnley at the Emirates Stadium on Monday, followed by an away trip to Crystal Palace six days later.

Their Champions League final against Paris St Germain is scheduled for 30 May in Budapest.