Graham Potter Hails Viktor Gyokeres’ Hidden Work Before Netherlands Test

Graham Potter has praised Viktor Gyokeres’ all-round contribution for Sweden, highlighting the work that “you don’t necessarily see” from the Arsenal forward.

Potter spoke ahead of Sweden’s World Cup group-stage clash with the Netherlands, reflecting on Gyokeres’ role in the 5-1 win over Tunisia that opened their campaign.

While the press conference covered more than just Gyokeres, Potter’s remarks offered a window into what Sweden value from their striker beyond simply scoring goals.

Asked about Gyokeres, Potter said his performance in the opening game had been “outstanding” and pointed to the physical and tactical work he did for the team.

“I said after the game I thought Victor was outstanding,” Potter said.

"The work that he does, his thought for the team, and then to take the fight with the centre-backs, to recover back into position, to press, to do the work that you don’t necessarily see, but it was so important for us.

“I thought his performance was amazing. If you look at his goals record in the last few games when it’s mattered, it’s very, very impressive.”

Gyokeres’ move to Arsenal has only increased the focus on his goalscoring, but Potter’s comments were a reminder that his value to Sweden goes well beyond finding the net.

At 27, Gyokeres has become central to Sweden’s attack, with Potter making it clear that his influence stretches far beyond the penalty area.

“If you look at his goals record in the last few games when it’s mattered, it’s very, very impressive,” Potter said.

Now the question is whether Sweden can carry that attacking threat into a much tougher Group F test against the Netherlands.

Asked if Gyokeres and Alexander Isak are the best attacking partnership at the World Cup, Potter stopped short of making that claim, but left no doubt about his satisfaction with the pair.

“The answer is I don’t know,” Potter said. “I’ve not seen enough of all the others. And it doesn’t really matter. They’re the best ones for us. That’s the truth.”

Potter described Gyokeres and Isak as fantastic players with their own strengths, but stressed that the real challenge is getting Sweden to function well enough for both to shine.

“Individually, fantastic players in their own right,” Potter said. “Different qualities, different attributes.

“The challenge is to get the team functioning well and helping them enjoy the football. If they do that, then they’re certainly a threat for any team.

“I would say they provide a goal threat.”

There is still room for the partnership to grow. Potter admitted the pair have not played together often, but expects that understanding to improve as the tournament progresses.

“We haven’t had them playing together so much,” Potter said. “So I think they’ll get better and better as they do that.”

Sweden’s opening win leaves them well placed, but Potter was quick to keep expectations in check ahead of facing the Netherlands, a side he called the best in the group and among the tournament favourites.

Gyokeres is set to play a central role again. While goals will always be the main measure for a striker, Potter’s comments made it clear Sweden are looking for more than just a clinical finish.

Pressing, duels, recovery runs and selfless movement rarely make the headlines, but they are exactly why Gyokeres has become so important for both club and country.

Sweden will need every bit of it when they take on the Netherlands.