Gyokeres made his breakthrough into Brommapojkarna's first team as a teenager and soon became an important member of the team, scoring 20 goals in 56 games.
“When he was 16 they were struggling in the second division and the first team coach came to me when all his strikers were injured,” Eklund continues.
“He said, 'David, do you have any players who can play at this level now?' I said, “I have Viktor. He’s strong enough to play with older players and he works hard.”
“Nobody at Bromma thought about him. It took some time – maybe two or three months – but then he settled in. The coach called me back and said, 'Wow.'”
Gyokeres' permanent move from Brighton to Coventry in 2021, where he scored 39 goals, was a defining moment. He became the Sky Blues' captain and developed a great understanding with manager Mark Robins, who once again saw through the initial skepticism.
“He initially came on loan for half a season and did well, but not all fans were keen for him to return the following season,” says BBC CWR's Clive Eakin. “But Mark Robins clearly saw something in him and bought him permanently.”
“From then on it was clear that he was special. His ability to run up and through defenders.” [stood out]. Every time he collected the ball near the halfway line, people estimated his chances of scoring. He has strength and is confident about his graduation.”
Premier League clubs were linked before Gyokeres moved to Sporting. It was Manchester City-bound director Hugo Viana who took the opportunity to sign him and the Swede's reputation has skyrocketed since then.
