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Graham Potter reaffirmed that Viktor Gyokeres remains a pivotal figure in Sweden’s World Cup ambitions, expressing surprise at the repeated scrutiny the striker has faced this season despite his consistent and match-winning performances for both Arsenal and the Swedish national team across domestic, European, and qualification fixtures.

Potter highlighted Gyokeres’ direct impact in Sweden’s qualification journey, praising his decisive contributions in crucial matches. “He scored four goals in two games, got us to the World Cup, so his impact is incredible,” Potter remarked. “From Arsenal’s perspective, he’s played his role, scored his goals, and the team have won the Premier League and reached the Champions League final.”

Gyokeres made the move from Sporting CP to Arsenal last summer after two standout seasons in Portugal, where he netted 97 goals in 102 appearances across all competitions. His transition to London proved equally fruitful, finishing as Arsenal’s top scorer with 21 goals in all tournaments.

Those achievements played a key role in ending Arsenal’s 22-year wait for a Premier League title and guiding them to the Champions League final. Potter emphasised that Gyokeres met every expectation set by the club, adapting seamlessly to a new league and tactical style while maintaining the prolific form that defined his stint in Portugal.

For Sweden, Gyokeres has registered 20 goals across all competitions. His most notable moment came in March, when he netted an 88th-minute winner in a 3-2 victory over Poland during the UEFA play-offs, sealing Sweden’s qualification. More recently, he scored a free-kick in a 2-2 friendly draw against Greece on Thursday.

Potter acknowledged that strikers often face intense scrutiny but felt that Gyokeres’ broader contribution is sometimes underestimated. “He has played most of the games, but he still gets criticism. That’s just the world we’re in. But when you see how much he works, how he carries himself, he’s an incredible character,” Potter said.

Graham Potter on Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak at Liverpool

In addition to Gyokeres, Potter also has the option of Alexander Isak, who completed a record-breaking move from Newcastle United to Liverpool last summer. However, Isak’s debut campaign at Anfield was hindered by a fractured leg, limiting him to just four goals in all competitions.

Discussing expectations surrounding big-money transfers, Potter commented, “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. We often assume that when you sign a player, it’s automatically going to improve everything.”

Potter reflected on Isak’s stellar form at Newcastle United and noted that adapting to Liverpool’s tactical system may take time. “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 about how they interact as a team.”

While acknowledging the challenges posed by injury, Potter stressed Liverpool’s long-term confidence in the Swedish striker. “The injuries have been disappointing for him, but he’s a great lad who wants to play and help his team. A career can have ups and downs, but the quality of the person and the player is undeniable from our point of view.”

Potter’s remarks reflected his faith in both forwards — viewing Gyokeres as integral to Sweden’s World Cup campaign and Arsenal’s resurgence, while expecting Isak to thrive at Liverpool once he regains full fitness and settles into the club’s rhythm after a turbulent first season.