Viktor Gyokeres has evolved into a formidable goalscorer. With an impressive tally of 78 goals in all competitions for Sporting Lisbon since his move to Portugal in July 2023, he is expected to be one of the most sought-after players in Europe this summer with both Arsenal and Chelsea linked.
However, his journey to stardom wasn’t overnight. His transformation can be traced back to his two-and-a-half-year stint with Championship side Coventry City.
“Adi Viveash, the first team coach and assistant manager at the time, initially had doubts about Gyokeres’ potential. However, he credited Mark Robins, Coventry’s manager at the time, for firmly believing that Gyokeres was a top player in the making”.
After a modest start with only five goals in a six-month loan at Coventry, the player’s fortunes took a sharp turn as he netted 40 goals over the following two seasons post his permanent signing. Turner sheds light on the transformation: “He came back [in the summer] stronger, hungrier, fitter and more determined than ever, and he was just so single-minded and focused.
