Arsenal transfer target Viktor Gyokeres continues to light up the Primeira Liga for Sporting.
The Swedish striker scored his 31st league goal of the season on Monday night, superbly slotting a free-kick underneath Braga’s wall at the Jose Alvalade Stadium.
The Lisbon side were unable to secure all three points, however, with Afonso Patrao scoring an 87th minute equaliser, denting Rui Borges’ side’s title hopes.
Arsenal’s interest in Gyokeres is well documented, and the Gunners’ recruitment team certainly would’ve been impress with the player’s latest outing.
Portugal’s media heap praise on ‘unstoppable’ Arsenal transfer target Viktor Gyokeres
Portugal’s media have given Gyokeres rave reviews in the past, and they were in awe of his sublime goal on Monday against Braga.
With an imposing wall lined up in front of him, the 26-year-old audaciously kept his powerful strike on the ground, perfectly timing the effort so it crept underneath the wall and had enough power on it to beat the Braga goalkeeper.
Awarding the striker the Man of the Match award and giving him a seven out of ten, A Bola wrote in their player ratings: “The Swedish ‘panzer’ came into the game with full force and after just three minutes had an excellent move down the left, which ended with an unstoppable shot.
“The move would be disallowed for a three-centimetre offside (may the Wenger law come quickly!), but it set the tone for what followed. And what followed was a great one-on-one with Hornicek, who almost always got the better of him, with some very difficult saves.
“He failed, however, by sending only four players into the wall, with the ball 23.6 metres away, when five would have been needed. Gyokeres saw the space and scored a beautiful goal.
“In the second half, with the Lions increasingly withdrawn, the Swede was too often left to his own devices, when he was already showing signs of exhaustion from the fight.”
Rui Borges hints at Viktor Gyokeres transfer
Taking five shots and accumulating 0.81 expected goals, this was certainly a threatening performance from the Sporting number nine.
Arsenal Insider revealed last week that Gyokeres isn’t the first-choice target, although Arsenal are said to be huge admirers of the lethal finisher.
Speaking before the Braga game, Sporting manager Rui Borges hinted that Gyokeres will indeed be on the move this summer.
“Viktor is a player… I think there are no words: it is unlikely that another player of his quality will emerge in our league over the next few years,” he said.
“He is clearly above average. Sporting recognised his talent, and here we are. Fortunately, we have him at Sporting. We must make the most of the time we have with him because he is truly exceptional.
“I have said this before, and I will continue to say it: he brings a lot to the team, and his teammates are aware of what he contributes, which is why they look for him during games. The collective effort also plays a role, as no one can succeed alone.
“Viktor is a game-changer, and he will continue to be, whether with us or elsewhere. His quality is undeniable; it is phenomenal. He is the best in the league, clearly.
“There are no adjectives to describe Viktor. He is an extraordinary striker, very important to our team, he has helped the team to grow with confidence, quality of play, he passes it on to his team-mates.
“He is a focused player, who pays attention to details, he is competitive, never lets his guard down, and doesn’t want to rest. Maybe today he could rest. It is a young team, and he, as an athlete, player and teammate, instils confidence in his team-mates with what he gives to the team.”
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