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Zeneli praises Sweden teammate Gyökeres despite Arsenal struggles

·By Paul Vegas
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Zeneli praises Sweden teammate Gyökeres despite Arsenal struggles

Arsenal/X.com

Viktor Gyökeres has struggled for regular football at Arsenal this season, but Besfort Zeneli has praised the striker's impact for Sweden after starting alongside him against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Gyökeres joined Arsenal from Sporting last summer after scoring 21 goals and providing three assists in 55 competitive appearances during his first season in England. His opportunities have since been limited, with Mikel Arteta choosing Kai Havertz as his preferred central striker.

The situation has been very different with Sweden. Gyökeres has scored three goals in three Nations League matches, maintaining the form that made him one of Europe's most sought-after forwards before his move to north London.

Zeneli was selected alongside the Arsenal striker in the 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina and was impressed by the way Gyökeres attacks space behind defenders.

"Especially against Bosnia and Herzegovina, I got to see his runs on the pitch," Zeneli told SVT Sport. "When he makes those runs behind and drives past opponents... it is fun to watch. An incredible footballer."

The 23-year-old midfielder also believes the pair can develop a strong understanding after their first appearance together.

"We have a good partnership and hopefully we can build on it," Zeneli said.

Zeneli also highlighted the physical threat posed by Gyökeres when the forward gets up to speed.

"When he gets going, there aren't many who can stop him," he added.

Gyökeres' lack of regular minutes at Arsenal has already prompted speculation about his future, with Milan, Juventus, Galatasaray, Al Ahli and Al-Ittihad among the clubs linked with a possible move.

His international form provides a reminder of what Arsenal signed, even if the striker has yet to establish himself as Arteta's first choice. The contrast between his club and international roles is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

For Sweden, Gyökeres remains a central figure and Zeneli's comments underline the confidence he continues to inspire when given the opportunity to lead the attack.

That difference has also kept speculation about a possible Arsenal exit alive, particularly while his opportunities remain restricted. For now, however, his Sweden performances are providing a clear reminder of the qualities that made him such a major signing.