The center-back's task in training the other day was to guard the Arsenal star in the two-goal game.
It's part of my game to be tough, aggressive and to tug a little at the shirt, be a little tough on the people I face. When I go in like that against Gyökeres, it's three times as hard in return, says Hjalmar Ekdal.
When Ekdal is asked how tough Gyökeres is, he answers:
Very tough and very strong. I've faced a lot of forwards in the Premier League, but I haven't faced Gyökeres. If I take training into account, he's probably the toughest and strongest to face. Absolutely.
Seeing something new
Ekdal and Gyökeres both have a background in Brommapojkarna and have known each other for a long time. Ekdal sees something new in the recent Premier League champion.
We've been training together for many years. He's had the same playing style and way of playing for a long time, but lately it feels like the physicality has been stepped up even more.
He has become even more powerful and knows how to use his body.
According to Ekdal, Gyökeres is grumpy and whiny on the field.
It shows that he has a hell of a winner's mentality. He gives it back. You have to be smart and not step in too hard, because then you know you'll get it back.
Gyökeres' strong season, especially during the winter and spring, and Alexander Isak looking more and more like his true self, could be decisive in the fight to advance in the group.
In the group, Sweden will face Tunisia, the Netherlands and Japan in turn.
“An incredible weapon”
It's clear that they are an incredible weapon for us. It would be for any country to have two forwards who are among the absolute best in their positions in the world.
But in the delicate makeup of a functioning football team, more than two sharp strikers are required.
They are obviously important to our game, but we don't hone the game just to make them work together, we hone it for the whole team. If we work as a team, they will work.
