Gyökeres: Will He Shine in the EPL? Ferdinand's Doubts Surface!

Former England international Rio Ferdinand has raised concerns about Viktor Gyökeres' potential success in the English Premier League (EPL). Speaking on the "Vibe with FIVE" podcast, Ferdinand questioned whether the Swedish striker can replicate his form from the Portuguese league against tougher, more physical defenders.

Ferdinand's Reservations

Ferdinand recalled Gyökeres' performance against Arsenal in the previous season, where he faced the formidable centre-back pairing of Saliba and Gabriel. He noted that the Arsenal duo made life difficult for Gyökeres, preventing him from showcasing his physical dominance, a trait often seen in videos of him outperforming opponents.

"Against Arsenal (last season), Gyökeres played against two machines, Saliba and Gabriel. They made life difficult for him. He didn't seem as comfortable as I've seen him in videos beating opponents, especially physically. When that aspect is matched, what can he offer? That's the question I'm asking now," Ferdinand stated.

Concerns About Consistency

Ferdinand also pointed out that many of Gyökeres' goals in Portugal were scored against teams in the lower half of the table. He suggested this should be a warning sign, prompting clubs to analyze his track record more closely before making a signing. While it wouldn't necessarily deter a transfer, it warrants a more in-depth assessment.

"Most of the goals he scored in Portugal were against teams in the bottom half of the table. That would be a red flag for me. It wouldn't stop the signing, but it would make me analyze his history more closely," he added.

The comments come amid speculation about Gyökeres' future and potential interest from EPL clubs. Whether he can overcome these doubts and prove himself in the English top flight remains to be seen.