Viktor Gyökeres has experienced a remarkable career turnaround, transitioning from a struggling player in the Championship to an in-form striker in Europe. He scored 97 goals in 102 matches for Sporting CP after his transfer from Coventry City for €20 million in July 2023. His performance prompted Arsenal to invest €63 million, plus potential add-ons, to secure his services. Former scout Chris Badlan recognized Gyökeres' potential as a Premier League striker, attributing his success to hard work and a strong mentality. Gyökeres honed his skills, training independently during his youth in Sweden.
"I always thought Viktor was a Premier League striker, but did I see him being compared to [Manchester City striker] Erling Haaland? No, and not many people would," Badlan told ESPN. "But did I think he'd score goals when I saw he'd signed for Sporting CP? Yes, 100%."
"The attributes he's got, we all knew he'd be a very good striker. To get to the level he's got to, you have to have a bit of luck like everybody, but you still have to have that mentality. Viktor has always wanted to be the best player he could be, and he's gone and done that."
"Whilst everybody else had normal training, I was training by myself on the other side of the pitch, honing something so basic," Gyökeres said in 2024.
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