Rio Ferdinand disagrees with Gary Lineker over Arsenal's £64m 'flat-track bully'

Rio Ferdinand Disagrees with Gary Lineker on Arsenal’s £64m Signing Viktor Gyokeres

Gary Lineker believes Viktor Gyokeres must begin scoring against “top teams” to avoid the label of a “flat-track bully,” yet Rio Ferdinand has a different view, confident the striker will help Arsenal win the Premier League.

Mixed Reactions to Gyokeres’ Early Performances

Arsenal spent £64 million on the Sweden international from Sporting Lisbon, sparking varied opinions among fans and experts. Gyokeres has shown impressive work-rate, tenacity, hold-up play, and the ability to unsettle defenses.

‘Flat-Track Bully’ Debate

The term “flat-track bully” refers to players who excel against weaker teams but lack impact in crucial matches. Some have applied this label to the 27-year-old Gyokeres due to his scoring record.

"I don’t want to call him a flat-track bully, that’s a bit unfair," said former England striker Gary Lineker on the Rest is Football podcast.

Ferdinand's Perspective

Contrary to Lineker’s caution, Rio Ferdinand expresses full faith in Gyokeres’ ability, predicting he will lead Arsenal to Premier League glory.

Summary

Despite debate over his scoring against top opponents, Gyokeres’ overall contributions and Ferdinand’s confidence suggest a promising future for Arsenal’s key striker.

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Metro.co.uk Metro.co.uk — 2025-11-04

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