Sesko and Gyokeres: Will they adapt to the Premier League?

Summary

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)

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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.

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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.

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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)

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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

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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.

Transcript

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[Ayo Akimbolere]

The Athletic FC welcome to the Athletic FC podcast with me, Ayo Akimbolere. Premier League clubs went big this summer on strike, but how difficult is it to adapt to the English top flight? Well, we've got Louis Saha, let's ask him. Joining us now we have the Athletics, Karl Anker. We've also got a very special guest, former Manchester United, Everton and also Fulham striker Luis Saha as well. Luis, so good to have you on the Athletic FC podcast. Firstly, where in the world do we have you? Because I know you formed a company called Axis since you've retired. And also how is life after retirement?

[Louis Saha]

It is good. I am based in south of France in Cannes. So after a few years in England so I needed the sun so you can say that I can enjoy. So yes, I'm a privileged guy.

[Ayo Akimbolere]

Well Lou, given how many top strikers from around Europe we've seen come to the Premier League this summer. Think about Cesko, think about Gares for instance. We'd love to learn about how difficult it is for players to make that transition. But let's start earlier on in your career. I know you started at Mets and then then you're on loan to Newcastle in 1999. And I sort of looked at the dressing room back then. Duncan Ferguson, Alan Shearer, Stuart Pierce and also manager Rude Hullet. How did you find that transition?

[Louis Saha]

To be totally honest, I was like, very innocent. Innocent. So it does help because you don't ask a thousand questions, you don't try to answer. All of that comes in your minds. And I just wanted to play. I just wanted to actually put in place what I thought that was my talent. And it became natural because the, the style of the, the training, the games, the Premier League, the Jordies, make it very easy in so many ways because, yes, sometimes I couldn't understand the English. It was good. Sometimes it was just about the football and I could see that it was all about commitment, aggressivity and desire to please the fans. And, and it makes sense to me. So I can say that I adapt pretty well. And I really loved the, the kind of family aspect that I didn't see in, in, in League one. So I really enjoyed straight away. And that's why when you speak of those big names, they really helped me a lot. So Alan Shearer, for example, was the one that, making jokes in the dressing room. I was really relaxed sometimes, like giving me advice and really take on what I could bring to the team. So I was, I was really amazed because that was not the case where I was before. So I, I can say that, yeah, everything was, was perfect for. Make me introduce myself as a, as a French boy into this English culture.

[Podcast Host / Interviewer]

And the Premier League in 1999. How, how is that English culture to you on the field? How was the, the adjustment? Was it quick? Was it physical? Physical? How did it change for you?

[Louis Saha]

Yes, I had a welcome package straight away. I had a few games where I understood that I had to be more aggressive, more physical. I had to be aware of the desire to the defenders to really impress you. So I remember one game where I had Gary Speed and Diet Mahamadou just like, boom, bought forward because they saw the aggression of the defenders and I needed to understand that those guys were, were here for me and do a bit more for them. So what's the kind of understanding? So the Premier League, yes, is definitely way more intense and especially in 99, you had less protection from the, from the referee. So full on. And I really embraced that. I felt like it was the football I wanted to play. So that's why everything you could see on the training, you see on the, on the field, it's, as I said, it's aggression on the same times there is an expression where you could see that the people were really in love with their job, really in love with the football. The passion and all that was expressed during the full week. So I was really in love with all of that and I think Alan Sherwer represented that. He was a legend for the club. You could see there is like enormous amount of charisma. You have to really take on what the fans are looking for. I was really embraced with this kind of connections that you could see straight away when you enter the field. So I really, I was in love with that and culture wise, yeah, this is totally different. You could see the respect, you could see the protection that we have as football players. So yeah, it's, it's enormous. But yes, I had to adapt, don't get me wrong. Because yeah, the language bias was big, was massive. Not because of French and English, but French and Geordie. It's. It's way difficult. So it was tough but food was, it was tough as well.

[Podcast Host / Interviewer]

Food.

[Ayo Akimbolere]

Yeah, that's the one I was gonna ask you.

[Louis Saha]

Got you.

[Ayo Akimbolere]

You got a hot cuisine in France and you're coming to the northeast. The place is a deep fried pizza, the place of the deep fried Mars bar. How you feeling about that?

[Louis Saha]

Yeah, 99, I'm telling you there, there were no salts on anything the kitchen so I couldn't understand. So I really struggled a little bit. But I was here for my football so my family, I had a chance to come with, with friends and they really helped me on that.

[Podcast Host / Interviewer]

Ludicrousk. So you've, you've played in Newcastle, for Fulham, in London. You've also played for Manchester United, you've been to spurs, you've been to Everton. How does playing the north compare to playing in the capital city?

[Louis Saha]

Yeah, it's a bit different to be honest. The north back then was like more than enough I could say. So it has become, I would say more cosmopolitan. Has become a lot of restaurants. It was like not this way back then. So you adapt and yes, it was different definitely. I felt the weather in the north, especially in Saint London, yes, it's different but as I said it's part of the country and I really like those elements. Is like France, you have. South of France is very sunny and obviously when you go to Paris you have like more into the culture, you, you see more monuments and all that. But I'm telling you, you can find your, your way. It's. I'm here to learn, I wanted to grow. I pick up straight away my English, My English was really Bad. And. And I enjoy it. Even if I was making mistakes. I. I just felt like it was part of my process, so I. I just loved it. Yeah. To be honest, the English culture, it's. It's way more how I feel in terms of behavior. Social aspect of the way they treat people with success is way different than what you could find in France.

[Podcast Host / Interviewer]

Can I ask, do you think football players, when they're looking to come to England, do you think they. They try and go to the London clubs first or is it just get to the Premier League and then we'll figure out the rest from there?

[Louis Saha]

No, no, no. You have an enormous attraction by the Premier League. Could be even championship. You know that it's a different intensity, It's a different football game. The interaction that you have with the fans is totally different than anywhere in the world. Bit of respect, but at the same time, there is very demanding fans, so it's way better. So I think that in my case, I was already in love. I was watching Dwight, York and Nicole back then. Man United, it was the pinnacle, and it was, oh, that's my target. But I was just like, looking at how I can challenge against those guys. And any club in England can do that with the FA Cup. And I was really looking at those enormous events, the FA Cup Final that I watch. I was on the bench with Newcastle, and I see one day and I say, hang on, what is that? So you can. You can imagine the difference. You can imagine, you know, back in on a tv, but when you lived it, it's. It's way different. You. You see it. You see kids, like, it could be six or seven, and he's going into his stadium with his grandma, and I'm saying, whoa, this is like culture. And, yeah, he's where it's safer than what you will find. So I do really think that it's way more authentic.

[Ayo Akimbolere]

Okay, let's talk about your time at Fulham. Because they bought you for £2.1 million and it was when they were still in the First Division. That's a big investment for a club at that time. On you, this young man, did you feel the pressure of the transfer fee?

[Louis Saha]

Not at all. I think back then you, as I said, had this innocent sorry, and I was not playing for money or one was not aware of all those things. I say, okay, I'm gonna get a better salary, that's for sure. But I was here to play. I was here to compete. Yes. Enjoying myself and then making sure that I can represent the family name the best Way possible. And to be honest, those things were authentic. Now, I can understand that you can't see that as much. You can see that the agents have, like, so much more power. But back then, I'm telling you, I was really pleased to join in England, and I was unaware of, like, price tag. And, you know, I didn't care. I didn't compare myself to anybody. I just wanted to play. So, as I said, I was very innocent. And I can remember myself going to Claire Fontaine, but it was the same. However, I just wanted to compete with Thier Henry, with Nicola Nelka, and be there and say, okay, I'm going to be a better player around those guys. That's it. I am very simple thinking whatever comes around, it's not my problem.

[Ayo Akimbolere]

What about your first season at Fulham? I think it was 32 goals in 48 games, and then you finally end up in the Premier League. How good a training ground is the championship? Or back then it was called the first Division. How good a training ground is it for the next level in which you're going to get to when you do get to the Premier League?

[Louis Saha]

I think, yes, it was the best foundation, but the foundation was more Jean Tigana, because, yes, he comes with his philosophy and he wanted us to play a certain way. And it just, like, destroyed the championship by that, you know, just like, by. By playing with this principle. So then when you go to the Premier League with that style, we were not like just a small fish, you know, in some way, we know that how to play football, we know how to keep. So we. We managed to do something quite, yeah, significant to stay there and build the club that it is now. Because now it's been a few years now where Fulham is in a Premier League. And it was, for me, really important because, yes, I changed my position from winger to striker at that moment, or basically scoring all those goals during that championship was a really big foundation. But it was John Tigana who's done that. He just told me, okay, I trust you. I think you have the ability to do that. And I really enjoyed. I was, like, physically really fit and felt like I was. Yeah. When you have this, almost like you feel untouchable. So you could be in many clubs and you have that. But it was even better because you are in the capital of London, of England. Sorry, you are with French people around you. You starting to put some food who look like French.

[Ayo Akimbolere]

You've mentioned food a couple of times now. I see you, bro. I see you.

[Louis Saha]

Yes, because in a way, that's your almost one side of the game is your diet and how you do it outside your. Your field, how you recover and if you bring those kind of habits from, from John Tigana. It was huge. It was huge. So it was so important for me to understand my job and, and the principle that I need to bring. So yes, the back then in 99 or 2001 when I joined film was still going into pubs after games or whatever and, and Harco was a big part of it. And I don't think that you can play that much with that now unless you want a very short career. So all the food now is looked after and, and that's. This is why I wanted to, to have that kind of setup around me because this is what I wanted. I'm. Yes, I was always looking as competition. Competition mean I want to be number one or number two and do my best at least. And if you have the wrong habits, it's wrong.

[Ayo Akimbolere]

Okay, fantastic. Well, let's bring it to the modern day because next we'll discuss some of the big name strikers to have joined the Premier League this summer.

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[Louis Saha]

Only.

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[Ayo Akimbolere]

Louis, we'd love to get your take on some of the big money strikers that have come to the Premier League this summer. Premier League club spent around 3 billion pounds this summer. A huge chunk of that actually went to strikers. So let's start with your former team. Benjamin Chesko at Manchester United 22 years old, 73.6 million pounds move from RB Leipzig. How difficult is the challenge facing this young man? Being the star striker at Manchester United?

[Louis Saha]

No, that's going to be tough. That's a challenge, that's for sure. I think he's prepared that he's ready to. To join. I think physically he's not gonna have like a huge amount of things to do. Tactically I think he's. It's gonna be the challenge because the team as well is in transition. The manager has to figure out how to play. What we know is the problems identifying the last three or four years is having the responsibility as a number nine or as a forward. When you're young, when you're young, you're still learning so you're making mistakes. You. You don't have to connect with the players as much as maybe Bruno Fernandes, as much as you had like Ibrahimovic before or players like Andy Cole and and so on. So there is like always had a combination to a club where with Man United especially to have like young player with a lot of talents who's gonna disrupt, who's gonna actually bring and predictability. But at the same time you have experience where it's very reliable and going to actually pass on the information. This is not the case in the last three or four years. So it's been really a big mistakes and I think they've done it again. So there's going to be a tough challenge. But I think he's capable if obviously the manager managed to get that link between midfield and. And striker. Unfortunately we didn't get the midfielder we wanted so we still very weak in that department. And this is why I think Sesko will struggle may a little bit until we get that sorted. So I, I think he's. He's got the quality because he's tall. I think he's going to score goals up in the air and he's very technical as well. I've seen his eye for the goal. All his movement is is right up there. But get us where we want. I don't think that's going to be only him. We need to be spot on. So I do think that those two playmakers, Kunya and Mbuemo will have to click on very soon. Unless you will see a Cisco struggling as well.

[Ayo Akimbolere]

Louis, you're still saying us he did.

[Louis Saha]

You're not Manchester United anymore.

[Boost Mobile Hype Man]

What's going on?

[Louis Saha]

I'm not messing around here. I'm not messing around. I'm a big fan and I do think that especially when you have such a big connections with the fans and how much they supported me, I just can't say them. And I'm not an hypocrite. I love this team as much as I can be a good supporter. Sometimes I'm a really bad one.

[Podcast Host / Interviewer]

Okay, okay. Can I go back to what you said about how United. It's about having a. You can have a young disruptor talent and a more mature player. Now you. When you joined United, the striker the number 9 was rude van this story. And by the time you were leaving Man United, the striker number nine was Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo was also there. Is that your experience that you joined United as the young disruptor and then you left it as the experienced player for the the other two?

[Louis Saha]

I would say that I was probably a link between youth and experience. Like I was 26 or 27 when I arrived something like this. And to be honest, I've seen myself having like a different kind of quality than root and maybe from like the youngsters. So I joined. It was not only root, it was soldier. And then after arrived it was Davis and soon Rune arrived. Alan Smith arrived as well. So we had a lot of strikers. And I would say we could be forwards, but I was maybe the main number nine. I would say in physical way like the target man. Yes, as a target man. Rude was not totally a target man, but he was a goal scorer. He was a machine. And that's why we. We could really adapt. And sometimes we need to be a bit more physical. I will play up to with with Ruud and sometimes so we had combination and when he was a bit more link and play, maybe Tevis was more the guys who was able to really link the forward lean. So I felt that I was not the youngsters. But in my mind I was just as unpredictable than a youngster.

[Ayo Akimbolere]

What is it like making that step up to Manchester United? People talk about the shirt being heavy for certain players and we've seen a lot of players not succeed at Manchester United when the spotlight is on them. How do you deal with that pressure? And also Sir Alex Ferguson. That's not easy either.

[Louis Saha]

No, no, that's not. But to be honest is depending how the manager in itself is capable of like making you feel very special where you have a play and had so many great players around me and I felt, I say, okay, I'm supported to be the best at what I can do. Not like trying to invent Me, like some people will ask me, oh yes, you need to be a leader. You need to speak on the field and all that and prepare the games like Gary Neville or Roy King. I won't be able to do it because those guys were there and they were good at it. And this is the problem of United now and this is why this is a big step and the shot is way, way heavier than it was for me because those guys are asked to wear way more arts. It's like Bruno Fernandes is a leader. He has to score, he has to assist and he has to defend and. And it's the same for Rashford. Rashford is maybe asked to be a leader, whatever. Where this guy who was still young and he was maybe not supported as much or let's say your role is to just disrupt.

[Ayo Akimbolere]

So you think they've been given too much responsibility in various aspects of the game instead of just focusing what they're good at.

[Louis Saha]

Definitely, definitely. So basically at some point the manager will say, oh yes, you have to do that, you have to do this. And he doesn't even realize it, that this guy is trying to force his game and that's not good. Where Sir Alex Ferguson smart enough and maybe on the club aspect where the team building is very important. So then when you main manage the people it's then easy because I know what you're good at and I'm not going to ask you to be more defensive or to be more whatever. Wayne Rooney, you can ask him everything, that's fine. But you don't have 10 Wayne Rune in your team, that's a problem. And if tomorrow you ask Gary Neville to be, I don't know, like Kafu.

[Ayo Akimbolere]

Or whatever, I'd love to see that.

[Louis Saha]

This is a problem that we have. So when I've seen maybe Anthony coming and we say, oh, maybe he couldn't play as good and all that, I'm sure that he's asked to be Anthony in Betis, that's why he's done really well. But when he was there he couldn't go to the right and do a cross with his right foot and everybody see his weakness. So I could be here and go into the United side now and everybody will see, oh, Louis doesn't press as much because now we've been asked to press and where Alex Ferguson was saying, listen Luis, I trust you to be a pain for the defenders. You're going to go behind the defenders, you're going to actually go and maybe strike the ball from outside the field when everyone is expecting you to be in that box, whatever it is. You know, my quality was like really put forward. My witnesses couldn't see it because I play with Rune, I play with Giggsy, I play with Scholes.

[Podcast Host / Interviewer]

I would like to ask, knowing what you're good at, what Premier League club would be the best place for 26 year old Louis Saha right now?

[Louis Saha]

Whoa, that's a tricky question. Yeah.

[Ayo Akimbolere]

Back to Fulham.

[Louis Saha]

Yes. Anywhere else than Man United. Because if you have that fire to play for a club and this is the thing that is missing, it's not about quality. Sometimes the players asking, oh, yes, I want to play left or to play right. When you have the fire to play. I heard, for example, Amad Giallo speak and he said, I play everywhere you want because he has this fire. He wants to play, he wants to perform whatever the position. And this is where it's very important. My, my desire to play for Sir Alex Ferguson was immense. I, I will try my best and if I'm not good, I will say to him, I am not good and I want to play there because it doesn't work for me and doesn't work for the team. So I would say that I would love players to have passion for the club they play for. And this is where I think a 26 year old will say, oh, I would love to help the Man United's side at this moment in time. Yeah.

[Podcast Host / Interviewer]

Answered like a politician.

[Ayo Akimbolere]

Very good, very good answer. Actually, very quickly, let's talk about Arsenal's big man. Victor Gjokaris. Obviously did a lot of good stuff in Portugal. Now the step up from Portugal to the Premier League, some might say is a big step. How do you think he's going to succeed in the Premier League? 27 years old, he probably knows his game more than Sesko does. He have those attributes that you've seen so far that perhaps he can maybe replicate some of what we've seen in the Portuguese League.

[Louis Saha]

I hope so for, for Mikel. But to be honest, I can see where a player like Olivier G had a lot of trouble convincing a lot of fans because he was going after Thierry Henry. So now settling for a player that is really done really well in the Portuguese League, but don't have those kind of attributes that Arsenal fans are used to. It's going to be a big pressure for him. They will expect always more. You know, yes, goal is good, but sometimes it's about like take on the style of Arsenal and the way they play or they used to play way higher because there is games in the Champions League. There is games that you need to actually win against the Derby and there is like elements where the confidence that you, you, you brings are maybe a bit more so. I think he's a top player, but it's not the kind of like skills that you expect from Arsenal strikers. This is my opinion. I may be wrong, but yes, I understand that there is a need of balance and this is why I think Arsenal is playing a bit more rougher than what they used to be back in the days for sure. Yes, it's a bit more clinical football than what we've seen over the years for Arsenal. So Gilcares represent that a little bit. This physical aspect. He can run behind and has like this high for the goal. He's really a striker him, he wants to score and that's this great ability for Arsenal, but they're still lacking creation. And I don't think he's going to bring many goals by himself. He will need his partner to assist him a lot.

[Ayo Akimbolere]

So for a player like that, is it more that the team adapts to him or that he adapts to the team? Because I think that's possibly what the issue might be at Arsenal is that they have a style of play. But if you're going to buy someone who you want to solve your striking problems that plays different to the team, does Mikel Arteta then have to maybe modify the way he plays? So to get the best out of your.

[Louis Saha]

I don't think that Mikel need to adapt as much as we as we think the manager has his plan and definitely Gyokares is part of his plan. So the player, sorry, have to adapt and understand, okay, those players are maybe different than my Portuguese compatriots. I will have to probably, yes, score those type of goals that I used to score because this is why the manager has picked me. I've got those kind of attributes. I have to play full onondo. But yes, 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. This is him to find. This is why he's a big player and there is big fees has been invested in him. I do think that this is the type of quality. Sometimes I will say that could maybe be a struggle because you don't have it naturally to adapt because technically maybe Arsenal will need someone a bit more capable of like doing his own things on a small space. I think he's done one goal where he just Come inside and have like a few touches. But I do think that the English defenders, the Premier League defenders adapt very quickly to you. And this is a problem.

[Podcast Host / Interviewer]

Can you explain that a little bit more? Because I, I once talked to Yaya Torre and he said when you're in England, you have a very, very short amount of time on to control the ball compared to when you're in Spain or compared to when you're in Greece. What is that difference when you're a striker, particularly when you're up against those defenders in the Premier League?

[Louis Saha]

Yeah, it depends on your team style. So basically you could have like Arsenal side or Man City side who are able to really control very high up on the field and who have like much more control and much more time to actually get your good runs. But you don't have many runs now to actually be on position. So it depends so how you. You work as like Leicester back in the days where they're doing you on contractors and all the times and Vardy was really a clinical finisher and score many, many goals. Where when you have like a tiki tacky style, so many situations has to be down the way the team is playing the midfielders putting pressure and making sure the more and more the defenders, the opposition can make mistakes and then you convert. So it depends how you could see the amount of touches you want to play. So it was a debate with Haaland for example. So Haaland wasn't touching, wasn't involved and people were questioning and say oh yes, Haaland doesn't touch, doesn't just like it's going to convert the mistakes of the opposition because Man City style of play will put so much pressure and at some point you made a mistake and he will finish because he's bigger, he's quicker and he's a clinical finisher. So this is depending on what you want as a result. And this is why Alandi scoring that much goals but it doesn't need to actually touch as much maybe touches as others or whoever.

[Ayo Akimbolere]

Okay, we have to sort of talk about the big one. Alexander Isak Liverpool broke the transfer record to sign him from Newcastle. £125 million. From a striking perspective, can you just break down what makes him so special but also a player, I guess that took a little bit of time to find his rhythm in the Premier League as well.

[Louis Saha]

I think that's the type of player like he look like. I think this comparison has been done before. Thierry, who is capable to scoring his own goals.

[Ayo Akimbolere]

Liverpool fans would love that.

[Louis Saha]

Yeah, Definitely have the, the. The kind of like really big eyes for goals is probably better in the air than, than Thierry. But yes, in terms of attributes, yes, Alive is skillful. A link up play is really good. You know how to actually spin off and sometimes like really be the ones who is a target and can keep the ball and suck the opposition sometimes and, and and deliver the. The ball to the right midfielder like tonally like like those midfielders for Newcastle. They're very, very strong physically and the pressing side of it is really strong as well. So he's a complete player. So it's not a profile that you could see often in Europe today. It's rare play away from home with him and be a force. You could play definitely really good football at home. So he ticked a lot of boxes. This is why I think he's been chased by the champions and I think that yeah, it's a very exciting player. I really love his eye for goals. It's very impressive. Even with the skills that he's got where he could be an entertainer, he's already a bit of machine like Cristiano Ronaldo wanted to be and arrived to Real Madrid. So it's very impressive.

[Podcast Host / Interviewer]

How do you think Isaac will play with Ekatike at Liverpool?

[Louis Saha]

Yeah, it's going to be very interesting to see they could play two up because they have a bit of a different style where someone is a bit more direct. I would say on. On Isaac and the Kitty case a bit more the guy who can really link up. He loves to, he loves to be involved and, and in so many ways he find his way into that box. So he scored many goals. We've interact and, and done really well. And in Paris Sajama I think he struggled because we had too many star players. I would say that he went after. He was messy if I'm not wrong. Neymar and Mbappe, it's hard for anybody to get so I think he struggled mentally to be asked to be the guy who will be the super sub. It was tough but yeah he find his, his confidence in Denscheland and it's done really well and, and I think that's what we have seen from him now. I love to see the link of play because he's always smiling and he's. He's going to be. It's going to be very interesting to see those guys evolved because yes it's just the start. So imagine in six months. Whoa.

[Ayo Akimbolere]

Well, next let's ask Luis Saha to rank some of the big strikers in the Premier League.

[Louis Saha]

Only.

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[Louis Saha]

I wish somebody taught me how to regulate my emotions.

[Mind if We Talk Podcast Narrator]

No one ever taught me that you're.

[Louis Saha]

Allowed to be sad.

[Mind if We Talk Podcast Narrator]

Heartbreak hits hard and yet managing romantic grief is so often left out of the conversation. On the season finale of Mind if We Talk, host and licensed therapist He Soo Jo is joined by dating coach and podcast host Sabrina Zohar. Together they unpack her journey through heartbreak, the boundaries she's built, and the self worth she's reclaimed. The end of a relationship might break you in the moment, but looking for help with the grief can bring some fresh perspective and build you in the long run. Catch every single episode of Mind if We Talk, including this one. Wherever you get your podcasts, listen and follow. Today.

[Athletic FC Podcast Intro/Outro Announcer]

You'Re listening to the Athletic FC podcast with Ayo Akimolere.

[Ayo Akimbolere]

Well, let's end the show with a bit of fun, Louis. We're going to get you to rank a selection of Premier League strikers. Your job is to basically pick who comes out on top and we'll go round by round. Okay, let's start with this. Isak versus Voltima. Visa versus Colombiani. Come on.

[Louis Saha]

Yeah.

[Ayo Akimbolere]

Okay, next. Sesco versus Guccares.

[Louis Saha]

Wow, you catch me here.

[Ayo Akimbolere]

Are you gonna go for Man United just because you feel like it?

[Louis Saha]

Yeah, I'm gonna go Chesko. I like his style and I think, yeah, he exact me the way he played and. And he's not supported yet. So individually, I think yes, Cisco is a. Is a better player.

[Ayo Akimbolere]

Ekatike versus Joa. Pedro.

[Louis Saha]

Oh, I will go for Pedro.

[Ayo Akimbolere]

Okay, let's move on. Isak versus Kolomani. Isak Sesco versus Joao. Pedro.

[Louis Saha]

Pedro.

[Ayo Akimbolere]

Oh, so that leaves us with Isak versus Ra. Pedro.

[Louis Saha]

You got it. Isaac.

[Podcast Host / Interviewer]

Isaac win every round.

[Louis Saha]

There you go.

[Ayo Akimbolere]

Isak wins everything. There we go. Honestly, very quickly, before you go, have you got any advice for any young players coming into the Premier League? You know, we've gone around the houses here and you've really given us an insight for your journey, but, you know, it's a big step up. And also the money's much bigger than when you started now.

[Louis Saha]

Yeah, it is. So, yeah, let's start with, with that because it's all about, like, staying very authentic. You know, you are a player, so you have the privilege to play the game. You, you started with, with your heart. And it was not about money, was not about, like, fame and all that. So please let us see that. You know, it's really important not playing for the fans of all the fame and all that. And I see too many players having that kind of like extra look or extra thoughts about what people gonna think, how I'm gonna be representing a meme or stuff like this. And oh, he's killing the football. Please be natural, be yourself, allow yourself to make mistakes. It's all right. You are human beings and just enjoy because when you are smiling and enjoy, I can see that for myself. I struggle to enjoy my game because I was very focused on, on improvement, which is good, but it has a downside and I think it's the connection that you have with the fans, with the, with the players, the teammates and all that is getting very selfish at the moment.

[Podcast Host / Interviewer]

We've spoken about Isaac, we've spoken about Liesco. We now know that you, you're a big fan of Joao Pedro. Are there any other strikers in the Premier League right now where you're looking at them going, yeah, I really like your style.

[Louis Saha]

Yes, I respect some. Some other players. I've got big respect for Chris Wood. It's maybe not my style in, you know, and, and I think I respect. But back in the day, I always loved the Giroud style as well. He can surprise you with some amazing goals and, and he was always under pressure and manifest all the time, the quality. I really loved it. So I respect the number nine position because he's dying and anyone's in that position, it's a really difficult job.

[Podcast Host / Interviewer]

Okay.

[Louis Saha]

Really?

[Ayo Akimbolere]

Well, I never thought Chris Wood is going to get a shout out on this podcast today with you, so I appreciate that very much. Louis, thank you so much for your time. This has been so insightful. Carl, thank you so much for your time and also you lot, thank you so much for listening. We'll be back soon.

[Athletic FC Podcast Intro/Outro Announcer]

You've been listening to the Athletic FC podcast. The producers are Guy Clark, Mike Stabre and Jay Beal. Executive producers are Abby Patterson and Avi Moorhead. To listen to other great athletic podcasts for free, including our dedicated club shows. Search for the Athletic on Apple, Spotify and all the usual places. You'll also find us on YouTube at the Athletic FC Podcast, so make sure you subscribe. The Athletic FC Podcast is an athletic media company production.

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Only. Boost Mobile Boost Mobile will give you a free year of service. Free year when you buy a new 5G phone new 5G phone enough, but.

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I'm your hype man. When you purchase an eligible device, you get $25 off every month for 12 months with credits totaling one year of free service. Taxes extra for the device and service plan online only.

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