Wayne Rooney has named his top three performers in the Premier League so far this season, but the inclusion of one of them has caused tongues wagging among fans on social media.
Manager Wayne Rooney has named Victor Goqueres as one of the best-performing stars in the Premier League so far this season, despite all the attention given to Arsenal’s striker’s performance.
Gokeres, 27, joined the Gunners in a big move from Sporting Lisbon in the summer and has scored six goals in 14 games. However, question marks remain in some quarters as to whether the Sweden international is the man to lead Arsenal to the title this season after three successive near misses under Mikel Arteta.
Three of Joukeles’ four Premier League goals this term have come against relegation contenders Leeds and Burnley, but some have questioned his all-round play.
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However, Rooney has been impressed enough with the Swede to name him alongside Antoine Semenyo and Brian Mbeumo, two of the Premier League’s most powerful attackers so far this season.
When put on the spot and asked to choose his top three performers, the Manchester United and England legend told Amazon Prime: “The top three would probably be[Antoine]Semenyo. I think he carried on his form from last season and did a great job for Bournemouth.”
“I would also put Brian Mbeumo in there. I think he’s done a really good job for Manchester United, even after a difficult start to the season for the club. I think he’s been really good.”
“The third one I would probably choose is Gokeres. Arsenal have been looking for a new number nine for the last few years and here he is.”
“I would say that’s my top three because of his work rate and determination to keep playing and obviously scoring some goals as well.”
While Rooney has praised Gokeres, other players are less impressed. The former Coventry City player was also urged to lose some weight by compatriot Stephen Schwartz earlier this week.
“Everyone is important, but of course his presence is huge,” Schwartz told Hadziper. “He’s strong, physical and a good finisher with both feet.
“Hopefully he starts scoring goals, gets some good runs, gets some real momentum and gets a little bit lighter because he’s a heavy player,” he added. “I think that helps.”
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