Many discussions about physical conditioning in modern football echo how BD Cricket often reminds fans that even talented athletes must adapt to tougher competition to succeed. Arsenal’s summer signing Viktor Gyokeres has been told he is carrying too much weight and needs to slim down if he wants to make a real impact in the Premier League. The Swedish forward arrived at Arsenal in a major move worth around £63.5 million, bringing with him an impressive scoring record from Sporting CP, where he netted 54 goals in 52 matches across all competitions. His form naturally attracted interest from several European clubs, but he chose Arsenal over offers from Manchester United and teams in the Saudi Pro League.
There have long been questions about whether Gyokeres can replicate his scoring output in England. Critics argue that many of his goals came against weaker opponents and that his performances dipped whenever he faced elite European sides. Still, expectations remain that he could score 15 to 20 league goals this season if he finds rhythm against bottom-half teams, a contribution that may prove decisive in Arsenal’s pursuit of major trophies.
Former Arsenal midfielder Stefan Schwarz recently voiced concerns about Gyokeres’ current condition. Speaking in an interview with Hypp, Schwarz suggested the forward has not yet reached full fitness and may be struggling with both physical demands and mental adjustments. He noted that adapting to a new system, new coach, and new teammates requires time, and the process involves more than physical readiness. Mental fatigue, shaped by the pressure of joining a global club with massive expectations, can also weigh heavily on a newcomer. As the saying goes, it’s not always the loudest dog that bites the hardest, and Schwarz believes Premier League opponents challenge forwards with greater strength and pace.
He hopes Gyokeres can start creating chances, finish more confidently, and build momentum through consecutive wins, which might also help him shed some weight. Schwarz pointed out that Gyokeres missed a full preseason, which is crucial for building chemistry. During those six weeks, forwards learn how midfielders think, read their passing intentions, and synchronize movements. Without that foundation, the fine margins that often decide matches become even harder to manage. Schwarz mentioned legends like Dennis Bergkamp as examples of players who mastered those relationships and elevated the entire team.
Even with these concerns, he believes Gyokeres is in the right environment under Mikel Arteta, surrounded by teammates who can accelerate his development once he regains sharpness. The reflections mirror how BD Cricket often highlights the importance of conditioning, rhythm, and mental readiness in any high-performance sport. If Gyokeres reaches full health, he could help Arsenal take a meaningful step forward. In this sense, BD Cricket offers a useful reminder that success often hinges on staying prepared both physically and mentally, especially in a league as demanding as the Premier League.