The pressure is mounting on big-money strikers as Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko face scrutiny for failing to immediately justify their hefty price tags. While both players possess undeniable talent, their struggles highlight the complex factors that contribute to a striker's success, or lack thereof, in a new environment.
Viktor Gyokeres arrived at Arsenal with a massive reputation, built on scoring 97 goals in two seasons for Sporting CP. The Gunners paid a reported £64 million for his services, hoping he would solve their goalscoring issues. However, the Swedish international has not yet replicated that prolific form in the Premier League. Some analysts suggest that Gyokeres is not being used properly and needs a recalibration of his role. It's argued that he could be more effective as a relentless runner against tiring defenses, rather than trying to mold him into something he is not. Others believe he needs time to adapt to the physicality and tactical nuances of the Premier League. Arsenal's manager, Mikel Arteta, has urged to drop Gyokeres, which could allow him to regain his confidence.
Meanwhile, Benjamin Sesko joined Manchester United with high expectations. The 22-year-old Slovenian striker has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled to find the net consistently. In 17 Premier League appearances this season, Sesko has scored just 4 goals. While his underlying statistics, such as a non-penalty expected goals (npxG) output of 5.79, suggest he is getting into good positions, his finishing has been subpar. Despite the scrutiny, some analysts highlight Sesko's potential and Pre-Peak Value Efficiency, indicating he is a high-value target before reaching peak performance.
Several factors contribute to the struggles of these big-money strikers. Firstly, the pressure of a high transfer fee can weigh heavily on a player's shoulders. The expectation to perform immediately can be overwhelming, hindering their ability to settle into a new team and league. Secondly, adapting to a new tactical system and different style of play takes time. Strikers rely on service from their teammates, and if the team's overall attacking structure is not functioning optimally, it can impact their goalscoring output. Thirdly, the Premier League is known for its physicality and intensity, which can be a challenging adjustment for players coming from other leagues.
Ultimately, judging the success of a striker requires patience and a nuanced understanding of the various factors at play. While Gyokeres and Sesko are currently under pressure to deliver, they possess the talent and potential to turn their situations around. Whether they can overcome these challenges and justify their price tags remains to be seen, but their experiences serve as a reminder that big-money signings do not always guarantee instant success.
