Former Arsenal winger Anders Limpar has urged Mikel Arteta to reconsider his attacking system to get the best out of Viktor Gyökeres, suggesting the Swedish striker could become more effective if Arsenal played with two forwards.
Limpar believes Gyökeres is better suited to a partnership up front than the lone-striker role he has often been asked to perform. The former Arsenal star, who mentored Gyökeres during his early development at Swedish club Brommapojkarna, has offered an insight into why the striker may need a different tactical approach to deliver his best performances in north London.
The debate over Arsenal’s attacking formation comes as Arteta continues to assess his options in the final third, with Gyökeres competing for opportunities alongside Kai Havertz and other attacking players.
Speaking to Betarades, Limpar explained that Gyökeres looks more comfortable when representing Sweden because the national team can use a two-striker system that allows him to play closer to a partner.
“When I see Viktor playing for Sweden, he is much better because he’s playing with two up front, and he was brought up in the Swedish system, playing with two forwards,” Limpar said.
His comments raise an important question for Arsenal: should Arteta change his formation to maximise the strengths of his summer attacking investment rather than continue asking him to operate as a traditional centre-forward?
Limpar Explains Why Gyökeres Struggles as a Lone Striker
One of Limpar’s biggest concerns is that Arsenal’s current attacking structure could be limiting Gyökeres’ ability to influence matches.
The Swedish international is known for his physical power, explosive acceleration, direct running and ability to attack space behind opposing defenders. Those qualities can be particularly dangerous when a team transitions quickly from defence to attack.
However, playing as the only striker can require a different set of responsibilities. A lone centre-forward may have to hold up the ball against multiple defenders, bring midfielders into play and compete for aerial deliveries while waiting for attacking support.
Limpar believes that role does not necessarily suit Gyökeres’ natural game.
“Playing up front on his own is hard for him because it’s not his game to be a target player,” the former Arsenal winger explained.
The distinction is important. Gyökeres can use his strength to compete physically, but his greatest value may come when he has the freedom to run beyond defenders, attack channels and receive passes into dangerous areas rather than constantly playing with his back to goal.
Limpar believes Arsenal could improve the situation by giving the striker a partner capable of occupying defenders and creating opportunities for him to exploit.
“He needs a player who is a really good target so he can play off them,” Limpar added.
That recommendation puts Arsenal’s attacking selection under the spotlight and gives Arteta another tactical option to consider as the club looks for greater consistency in front of goal.
