Borussia Dortmund boss singles out Arsenal star for surprise praise after friendly win

Niko Kovac masterminded Borussia Dortmund’s 3-2 win over Arsenal (Credits: Sportimage)

Borussia Dortmund head coach Niko Kovac offered one struggling Arsenal star a surprising vote of confidence following Sunday’s 3-2 win.

Mikel Arteta’s side slumped to a second consecutive pre-season defeat, this time in front of their own fans at Emirates Stadium.

Although he got on the scoresheet with a second half penalty, it was another disappointing afternoon for Viktor Gyokeres.

The Sweden international looked well off the pace against Real Betis last week in his first outing since his World Cup exploits against Sweden and was again the focus of much criticism in the aftermath of yesterday’s reversal.

Despite another poor showing, Kovac singled out the former Sporting Lisbon star for surprise praise when asked if any Arsenal players caught his eye.

He said: ‘There are a lot of top players when you see Gyokeres he is strong, he is quick, he is fast he is very direct.

‘We know him very well but I can mention all the players.’

Viktor Gyokeres struggled in Arsenal’s defeat against Borussia Dortmund (Credits: Alamy Live News.)

Arteta, meanwhile, has backed ‘warrior’ Bruno Guimaraes to ‘ignite something different’ in the Premier League champions.

Brazil midfielder Guimaraes was introduced to Gunners fans ahead of Sunday’s 3-2 defeat after completing his £75million move from Newcastle.