Clarence Seedorf Tells Viktor Gyokeres Exactly What He Thinks of Him to His Face

Arsenal’s emphatic 4-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday night was more than just another statement win. It was a turning point — not only for Mikel Arteta’s side but especially for Viktor Gyokeres, who finally ended his frustrating goal drought in spectacular fashion at the Emirates Stadium.

For weeks, the Swedish striker had been under pressure to deliver. Since joining Arsenal from Sporting CP in the summer, expectations were sky-high. His physicality, work rate, and intelligent movement were never in doubt — but goals had eluded him. Before Tuesday’s game, Gyokeres had gone seven matches without finding the net for Arsenal, and nine overall including his outings for Sweden.

But under the bright lights of European football, the 26-year-old found his rhythm again. His two goals against Atletico were classic poacher’s finishes — instinctive, powerful, and perfectly timed. Each strike reminded fans why Arsenal invested £63.5 million in him: to be the reliable finisher they have long craved.

After the final whistle, as Arsenal fans roared in celebration, Gyokeres shared a special post-match moment with Dutch football legend Clarence Seedorf. Working as a pundit for Amazon Prime, the four-time Champions League winner didn’t hold back his admiration for what he had just witnessed.

Seedorf, known for his intelligence and leadership during his illustrious career with Real Madrid, AC Milan, and Ajax, looked Gyokeres in the eye and told him exactly what he thought: “I think you have created this moment yourself. Everyone expects strikers to score goals, but what you’ve been doing for the team — your runs, your link-up play, your selflessness — that’s what earned you the respect of your teammates. You’ve built this reaction. So, well done.”

Those words carried weight. Coming from one of football’s most decorated midfielders, it was a moment of validation that Gyokeres visibly cherished. Smiling humbly, he thanked Seedorf, knowing that such praise doesn’t come easily from a man who has seen it all at the highest level.

For Arsenal, the night was one to remember. The Gunners maintained their perfect start to the Champions League campaign with their third straight victory, brushing aside Atletico Madrid — a team known for their defensive discipline — with ruthless ease. The Emirates Stadium buzzed with energy as Gyokeres, Declan Rice, and Bukayo Saka led a performance full of intensity and flair.

After the game, Gyokeres spoke with relief and renewed confidence. “It feels amazing,” he said. “It’s been a while, but we’ve been winning, so it’s still been a great couple of months. As a striker, though, you always want to score. To get two today feels special.”

He also admitted that he hesitated before celebrating his first goal, fearing the dreaded VAR check. “Yeah, I just waited,” he laughed. “You never know these days — I didn’t want to celebrate too early and look silly!”

Gyokeres’ brace now takes his Arsenal tally to five goals in all competitions, following his earlier strikes against Leeds and Nottingham Forest. However, his struggles against Premier League heavyweights such as Manchester United, Liverpool, and Newcastle had raised questions about his consistency. Tuesday night’s display went a long way toward silencing those doubts.

For Arsenal supporters, the message is clear — Gyokeres is beginning to settle, adapt, and believe again. His combination of strength and sharp movement has already made him a crucial piece in Arteta’s attacking puzzle. Many fans believe this performance could be the spark that ignites a scoring run, especially as Arsenal continue to battle on multiple fronts.

The win also reaffirmed Arsenal’s status as one of Europe’s most in-form teams. After eight Premier League matches, they sit three points clear at the top of the table and are flying high in the Champions League group. Arteta’s men have shown composure, depth, and confidence — all qualities that suggest they’ve learned from their near misses in recent seasons.

Mikel Arteta, speaking post-match, praised Gyokeres for his mentality. “Viktor’s been working incredibly hard,” he said. “He never hides, never complains, and that attitude is what you want in a striker. Tonight was his reward.”

For Clarence Seedorf, his interaction with Gyokeres was more than just polite praise — it was recognition of a striker who had faced criticism, kept his head down, and delivered when it mattered most. “What I like about him,” Seedorf later added, “is that he never stops moving. That’s the sign of a confident striker. Even when he’s not scoring, he’s always creating space for others.”

As Arsenal prepare to return to Premier League action against Crystal Palace on Sunday, the confidence from this European night could prove invaluable. A rejuvenated Gyokeres could be the missing piece in Arteta’s long-awaited title puzzle — the man to finally turn dominance into silverware.

For now, the Emirates faithful will savor both the victory and the sight of their new number nine smiling again. And if Clarence Seedorf’s words are anything to go by, Viktor Gyokeres might just be entering the best chapter of his Arsenal story.