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

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

Gary Lineker argues that Viktor Gyokeres must begin scoring against top-tier teams to shed the label of a "flat-track bully." However, Rio Ferdinand disagrees and believes Gyokeres will lead Arsenal to the Premier League title.

Viktor Gyokeres' Early Arsenal Impact

Arsenal invested £64 million from Sporting Lisbon to acquire the Swedish forward. While fans and experts praise his work-rate, tenacity, hold-up play, and ability to unsettle defenses, his goal tally remains modest. Over 14 appearances in all competitions, he has scored six goals, including four in the Premier League against struggling teams such as Leeds, Nottingham Forest, and Burnley.

The 'Flat-Track Bully' Debate

Due to the pattern of scoring mainly against lower-ranked sides, some critics have labeled the 27-year-old a "flat-track bully" — a term referring to athletes who perform well against weaker opponents but falter in crucial matches.

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

Rio Ferdinand’s Contrasting View

In contrast to Lineker's cautious stance, Rio Ferdinand expresses confidence in Gyokeres’ potential to win the Premier League with Arsenal, dismissing concerns about his performances exclusively against top teams.

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“I don’t want to call him a flat-track bully, that’s a bit unfair,” Gary Lineker emphasized.

Author’s summary: Despite early critiques labeling Viktor Gyokeres a "flat-track bully," Rio Ferdinand confidently expects the striker to play a pivotal role in Arsenal’s Premier League triumph.

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Metro.co.uk Metro.co.uk — 2025-11-04

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