Potter Defends Gyokeres Amid Criticism As Sweden Pushes World Cup Bid

Graham Potter said Viktor Gyokeres continues to be central to Sweden’s World Cup plans, and admitted surprise at how often the forward has been questioned this season, despite decisive performances for both Arsenal and the national team in league, Europe and qualification matches.

Potter pointed out Gyokeres’ direct contribution to Sweden reaching the tournament, and highlighted decisive displays in crucial qualifiers. “He scored four goals in two games, got us to the World Cup, so his impact is incredible,” Potter said. “From Arsenal’s perspective, he’s played his role, scored his goals, and the team have won the Premier League and got to the Champions League final.”

Gyokeres joined Arsenal last summer from Sporting CP after two productive seasons in Portugal. At Sporting CP, Gyokeres scored 97 goals in 102 matches in all competitions. The move to London brought more success, as the forward finished as Arsenal’s leading scorer with 21 goals across all tournaments.

Those contributions helped Arsenal end a 22-year wait for a Premier League title and reach the Champions League final. Potter underlined that Gyokeres met the expectations set by the club, while also adapting to a new league and style without losing the scoring edge shown in Portugal.

For Sweden, Gyokeres has scored 20 goals in all competitions. The forward hit an 88th-minute winner in a 3-2 victory over Poland during the UEFA play-offs in March, securing qualification, and added a free-kick in a 2-2 friendly draw with Greece on Thursday.

Potter accepted that forwards often receive detailed scrutiny, but felt Gyokeres’ overall game is sometimes overlooked. “He has played most of the games, but he still gets criticism. That’s just the world we’re in, but then you look at him, how much work he does, how he goes about his business, and he’s an incredible character.”

Graham Potter on Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak at Liverpool

Alongside Gyokeres, Potter can also select Alexander Isak, who completed a British record transfer from Newcastle United to Liverpool last summer. Isak’s first season at Anfield was disrupted by a fractured leg, and the striker finished the campaign with four goals in all competitions.

Potter said expectations around such major transfers can be complex. “I think it’s fair to say it probably hasn’t gone as well as he would have liked and anybody would have liked but sometimes these things happen,” he explained. “We sometimes assume that when you sign a player, it’s automatically going to improve everything.”

Potter referenced Isak’s form at Newcastle United, and how Liverpool’s style may require adjustments from both player and team. “We know what Alex did for Newcastle, but how does he adapt to what Liverpool want him to do?” Potter said. “The player doesn’t change. His quality doesn’t change. It’s just how they interact as a team.”

While acknowledging the setback caused by injury, Potter stressed Liverpool’s long-term view. “The injuries have been disappointing for him, but he’s a great, great lad, he wants to play and wants to help his team. Your career can go up and down, but the quality of the person and the quality of the player is undeniable from our perspective.”

Potter’s comments showed firm belief in both forwards, with Gyokeres seen as central to Sweden’s World Cup challenge and Arsenal’s recent success, and Isak expected to grow into Liverpool’s system once fitness and familiarity improve after a disrupted first season.