The Athletic FC Podcast

Episode: Sesko and Gyokeres: Will they adapt to the Premier League?
Date: September 3, 2025
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
Guest: Louis Saha (former Manchester United, Everton, Fulham striker)
Key Contributors: Karl Anker (The Athletic)

Episode Overview

This episode explores the adaptation challenges faced by high-profile strikers joining the Premier League, focusing on Benjamin Sesko at Manchester United and Victor Gyokeres at Arsenal. Legendary striker Louis Saha, drawing from his personal journey, offers in-depth insights into what it takes for new strikers to succeed in England’s top flight. The discussion ranges from Saha’s early days in English football to tactical and cultural issues confronting current arrivals. The conversation also includes a playful striker ranking, memorable anecdotes, and advice for young players.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. Louis Saha’s Path to the Premier League

(01:19 – 14:05)

• Adapting as a Young Foreign Striker:
  Saha describes arriving in England as “innocent,” which allowed him to immerse himself without overthinking:

  “I was like, very innocent. Innocent. So it does help because you don't ask a thousand questions... I just wanted to play." (02:42)

• Early Newcastle Experience:

  • Entering a veteran-filled dressing room helped his transition.
  • Alan Shearer made the environment fun and welcoming.
  • The family, committed atmosphere in English clubs was favorable compared to France.

• On-field Adjustments:

  • Intensity and physicality were far greater than in France; less referee protection (04:21).
  • Language barriers not just English, but accent issues:

    “Not because of French and English, but French and Geordie.” (05:00)

  • Cultural differences included struggling with British food and weather.

• North vs. London Football:

  • London was more cosmopolitan, but Saha enjoyed both, emphasizing the English approach to success and humility (07:01).

2. Pressure, Expectations & Development at Fulham

(09:58 – 14:05)

• Handling a Big Transfer Fee:
  Saha says his “innocent” mindset shielded him from pressure:

  “I was not playing for money... I just wanted to play.” (10:13)

• First Division as Foundation:

  • Jean Tigana’s philosophy, dietary principles, and trust in Saha as a striker were transformative.
  • Championship football built his competitiveness and readiness for the Premier League (11:37).

• Importance of Off-Field Habits:

  • Shift from post-game pub habits to professional recovery and healthy diets.
  • Competitiveness and self-improvement were central to his ethos.

3. Modern Striker Adaptation: Spotlight on Sesko

(15:43 – 18:39)

• Benjamin Sesko’s Challenge at Manchester United:

  • Saha outlines both promise and obstacles facing Sesko.
    • Physically prepared, but will face tactical and team cohesion challenges.
    • Young strikers at United lack the experienced guidance once present.

    “Physically he's not gonna have like a huge amount of things to do. Tactically…it's going to be the challenge because the team as well is in transition.” (16:12)

  • United’s midfield weaknesses and lack of playmaker connections could hinder Sesko’s immediate impact.
  • Saha, still referring to United as “us,” admits his lifelong fandom:

    “I'm a big fan and I do think that especially when you have such a big connections with the fans... I love this team.” (18:18)

• The Blend of Youth and Experience:

  • Saha describes the ideal striker mix (disruptors and mature leaders), and historic reliance at United on such partnerships.

    “You could have a young disruptor talent and a more mature player.” (19:09)

4. The ‘United Shirt Is Heavy’: Coping with Pressure

(20:22 – 23:24)

• United’s current issues include overloading young players with responsibility.

  “Bruno Fernandes is a leader. He has to score, he has to assist and he has to defend and... Rashford is maybe asked to be a leader...” (21:44)

• Sir Alex Ferguson’s gift was maximizing players’ strengths, not asking them to change their core games.
• Saha credits clear role assignments under Ferguson for team harmony and individual success.

5. Victor Gyokeres & Arsenal’s Striker Conundrum

(24:35 – 28:23)

• Pros and Cons of Gyokeres:

  • Saha compares Gyokeres to Olivier Giroud, suggesting Arsenal fans may need to adjust expectations.
  • While strong and direct, Gyokeres may not fit the traditional Arsenal striker mold; style adaptation is a concern.
  • Arsenal’s current need is “balance,” and Gyokeres brings physicality—but may lack technical skills to create goals single-handedly in tight spaces.

  “He’s a top player, but it’s not the kind of like skills that you expect from Arsenal strikers.” (25:03)

• Adaptation Dynamic:

  • Saha believes the onus is on the player to fit into Arteta’s plan:

    “The player... have to adapt and understand, okay, those players are maybe different than my Portuguese compatriots.” (27:08)

  • Notes how defenders in the Premier League quickly figure out strikers’ habits.

• On the Intensity of English Football:

  • Refers to a conversation with Yaya Touré about the split-second time attackers have on the ball in England compared to other leagues. (28:23)
  • The difference between a striker like Haaland (who waits to pounce on mistakes) vs. those involved in build-up play.

6. Liverpool’s New Record Signing: Alexander Isak

(30:07 – 33:10)

• Isak described as a unique blend of Thierry Henry and Cristiano Ronaldo-type attributes.

  “He looks like... Thierry, who is capable to scoring his own goals.” (30:27)

  • Aerial ability, skillful link play, versatility to thrive away or at home.
  • Anticipates Liverpool’s attacking “two-up” system could suit both Isak and new partner Ekitike.

7. Fun Segment: Louis Saha’s Premier League Striker Rankings

(34:48 – 35:58)

• Bracket-Style Face-Offs (Sample Results):
  • Isak beats Kolomouani; Sesko over Gyokeres; Joao Pedro over Ekitike.
  • Isak comes out on top overall:

    “Isaac wins everything. There we go.” (35:58)

8. Louis Saha’s Advice to Young Strikers

(35:58 – 37:23)

• Encourages authenticity and focus on passion, not money or fame.
• Warns against over-fixation on social media trends or peer perception:

  “Be natural, be yourself, allow yourself to make mistakes. It's all right. You are human beings and just enjoy...” (36:16)

• Connection with teammates and fans is essential—resentments about modern football’s selfishness.

9. Saha’s Current Favourite Strikers

(37:23 – 38:10)

• Surprise mention of Chris Wood for his dedication and old-school No. 9 style.
• Longstanding admiration for Olivier Giroud’s grit and technical quality.

Notable Quotes

• On Adapting Young:

  “I can say that I adapt pretty well. And I really loved the kind of family aspect that I didn't see in, in, in League one.” — Louis Saha (03:23)

• On the English Football Intensity:

  “I had a welcome package straight away... you had less protection from the referee. So full on. And I really embraced that.” — Louis Saha (04:21)

• On Pressure at Big Clubs:

  “The shirt is way, way heavier now... those guys are asked to wear way more hats.” — Louis Saha (20:39)

• On Club Passion:

  “When you have the fire to play. I heard, for example, Amad Diallo speak and he said, I play everywhere you want because he has this fire.” — Louis Saha (23:42)

• On Adapting Your Game:

  “The Premier League is not the same as the Portuguese League. The actual style of those players in midfield or whatever are maybe not the same. So he will have to adapt.” — Louis Saha (27:08)

• On Enjoying the Game:

  “Be natural, be yourself, allow yourself to make mistakes. It's all right. You are human beings and just enjoy.” — Louis Saha (36:16)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:19 – Introduction / Saha’s move to England
• 02:42 – First impressions: Newcastle United, adapting to English football
• 04:21 – On-field adjustment, Premier League physicality
• 09:58 – Fulham transfer, handling pressure
• 11:37 – Impact of Jean Tigana, foundation for Premier League success
• 15:43 – Modern big-money transfers: Sesko at Manchester United
• 16:12 – Tactical challenges for Sesko
• 20:22 – Coping with United’s pressure, “the heavy shirt” concept
• 24:35 – Gyokeres’ Arsenal fit: Opportunities and stylistic doubts
• 28:23 – Premier League defensive intensity explained
• 30:07 – Liverpool’s Isak: Analysis, comparison to Henry and Ronaldo
• 34:48 – Striker ranking game: Saha chooses his favorites
• 35:58 – Saha’s advice for young players
• 37:23 – Honorable mention: Chris Wood and old-fashioned No. 9s

Tone & Takeaways

The conversation is candid, energetic, and rich with personal anecdotes. Saha’s reflections balance nostalgia for his playing days with sharp contemporary observations. He highlights the raw challenges strikers face, the importance of emotional and cultural adaptation, and the need for players—and clubs—to embrace authenticity and passion over hype.

For listeners unfamiliar with the episode, this summary offers a robust portrait of the adaptation process for foreign strikers in the Premier League, framed by Saha’s unique experience and approachable style.