Paul Scholes Names Arsenal Star He Would ‘Love to Play With’ Despite Criticism

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes praises Viktor Gyökeres’ work rate and impact after derby brace, despite questioning his elite quality

ArsenalTalks News Analysis | February 24, 2026

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has named Viktor Gyökeres as the Arsenal player he would “love to play with”, praising the striker’s work rate, movement, and mentality — even while questioning whether the Swede possesses true elite-level quality.

The comments came on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast, recorded just days after Gyökeres delivered a decisive brace in Arsenal’s 4–1 demolition of Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby on February 22.

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The performance lifted Arsenal back to the top of the Premier League table, five points clear of Manchester City, and marked one of Gyökeres’ strongest displays since his arrival in north London.

Scholes was typically direct in his analysis, blending praise with realism.

“I think you’d love to play with him,” Scholes said. “He works his socks off, he occupies defenders. Has he got the quality of a Ruud van Nistelrooy or an Andy Cole? Probably not — but you’re pleased for him.”

He added context to the performance, noting the state of Tottenham’s defence.

“He was probably playing against the most disorganised defence you’ll see, and that helps him,” Scholes added.

Despite his caveats, Scholes made clear that Gyökeres’ mentality and effort make him an ideal teammate.

Relentless pressing, intelligent movement, and physical presence have become defining features of his Arsenal game — qualities that matter as much as goals in high-intensity title races.

Former teammate Nicky Butt echoed that view, highlighting the pressure Gyökeres has carried this season.

“He’s had a lot of pressure on him,” Butt said. “He’s had a lot of stick from fans about Arsenal’s forwards, but those two finishes were as clean as a whistle.”

From scrutiny to momentum

Gyökeres arrived from Sporting Lisbon last summer under heavy scrutiny and endured a slow start to life in the Premier League.

He was labelled by critics as a “flat-track bully” and questioned for his impact against top sides, but his recent form is reshaping that narrative.

The derby brace took him to 15 goals in all competitions this season, with five goals in his last five Premier League appearances — clear evidence of growing confidence and rhythm.

Gyökeres’ influence goes beyond goals. Teammates point to his off-ball work and physical presence as key factors in Arsenal’s attacking structure.

Eberechi Eze highlighted that impact after the Spurs win, praising Gyökeres for creating space and opportunities for others through his movement and pressing.

Sky Sports pundits also pointed to his all-round performance, not just the goals, as a benchmark display of a modern Premier League striker.

A striker Arteta trusts

Mikel Arteta has shown consistent faith in Gyökeres through difficult periods, backing him during his lean spells and keeping him central to Arsenal’s system.

That trust is now paying off. His confidence is rising, his decision-making is sharper, and his role in Arsenal’s title push is becoming more defined.

Scholes may not place him among the all-time greats, but his endorsement speaks volumes:
Gyökeres is the type of striker teammates want beside them — relentless, selfless, and relentless in his pursuit of impact.

As the title race intensifies, Gyökeres is shifting perception.

From questioned signing to trusted figure.
>From pressure to momentum.
>From doubt to belief.

Even a Manchester United icon would have loved him as a teammate.

That alone tells you how far Viktor Gyökeres has come.

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