Viktor Gyokeres will immediately be under the spot light at Arsenal. Even after his debut in pre-season, there were question marks about how he'd fit in for the Gunners.
Amid all the speculation, Cristiano Ronaldo has had his say on the Swedish striker, going on record to give Gyokeres glowing praise. Like the Swedish forward, Ronaldo played for Sporting Lisbon. Ronaldo was being asked about Lisbon's chances this season. He hopes they will be competitive again. "Gyokeres was a special player," said Ronaldo, referring to the striker's time in Portugal.
Ronaldo Recognised Gyokeres's Contribution to Sporting Lisbon
viktor gyokeres
It was huge praise coming from Ronaldo. In full, the former Manchester United striker said:
"I hope it's a competitive league. I always hope for the best and that Sporting can be champions again. Gyokeres? We only miss those who are there, that's what they say. I believe Sporting will be competitive.
"Gyokeres was a special player, but the team will have to adapt. I believe Suárez, who arrived from Almeria, is an excellent forward. Harder is also a good player, young, and needs time. I saw the Super Cup; Sporting performed well against Benfica, but they didn't win because they couldn't—that's football."
It's been well publicised that he was unable to make the breakthrough while at Brighton. While at the Amex, he was loaned out to several clubs, including Swansea City. Yet the striker struggled to make an impact in Wales. In 12 games for the Swans, his sole goal contribution, was in a 2-0 win over Stevenage in the FA Cup.
It was his loan to Coventry City, which eventually resulted in a transfer, that kick-started his career. Gyokeres banged in 43 goals for Coventry before his move to Portugal, where his prolific goal scoring really began to start. In 102 games, he netted 97 goals. That included an impressive 54 goals in all competitions last season. No doubt Ronaldo took note that Gyokeres did it at Sporting, where he started his career. With Ronaldo too being so prolific throughout his long career, it is clear he admires the Swede's ruthless nature in front of goal.
Gyokeres Now Off the Mark for Arsenal
Viktor Gyokeres
Gyokeres got off the mark for Arsenal with a fine headed goal during the 3-0 win at the Emirates against Athletic Club Bilbao. This would have gone some way to silencing any doubters who questioned the striker's goal-scoring prowess after not scoring in previous friendlies. Others had been unkind about the Portuguese league from which the striker has come, but Gyokeres scored six in eight Champions League games last season.
Those Champions League goals included a hat-trick against Manchester City. No doubt Ronaldo would have enjoyed seeing Sporting put his old Manchester rivals to the sword. Although Gyokeres' next target will be Ronaldo's former side Manchester United. The Gunners go to Old Trafford next Sunday. Ronaldo won the Champions League with United, along with three consecutive Premier League titles between 2007 and 2009. The Swede will be looking to see that United don't get a good start to this Premier League campaign.