Rio Ferdinand has revealed what it would take for Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres to break into the ‘top group’ of forwards.
The Swede, who has scored 23 goals in 18 games for Sporting this season, has become one of Europe’s most sought-after stars following his performances in Portugal.
Ruben Amorim spent four years at Sporting Lisbon in Portugal and helped Gyokeres become one of the best strikers in the world during that time before leaving for United.
There have been rumors of a possible meeting between the two at Old Trafford and former Red Devils defender Ferdinand has insisted it should happen.
Speaking ahead of Sporting’s clash with Arsenal on TNT Sports, Ferdinand said: “I wouldn’t put him in the top group yet because he hasn’t done it in a major league.”
“With all due respect, the Portuguese league is a very good league, but not a top-level league.
Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres has become one of the most prolific forwards in Europe.
There are rumors that Rubén Amorim will want to reunite with the Swede at Man United
Former United defender Rio Ferdinand has revealed why he believes Gyokeres should move
“If he signs for a Premier League team, he’s going to have to show who he is, reshape himself and put himself in front of everyone in the spotlight and say: this is who I am.”
‘If he wants to win, he goes to Manchester United… I’m kidding! The key point is that you know the coach.
“For a transition to another league, go with someone who knows his game perfectly and can bring out the best in you – and he’s proven he can do it elsewhere – and you’ll go somewhere where he’s rebuilding and you’re rebuilding.” If you’re part of that process with him, he’ll be licking his lips at something like that.
Gyokeres was outstanding for Amorim in just over one season together at Sporting and a move to one of Europe’s top five leagues seems inevitable, probably next summer rather than January.
He has 16 goals in just 11 Primeira Liga games this season, five out of four in the Champions League, a few more in the Portuguese cups and nine out of six (plus four assists) in the Swedish Nations League, where he has a fearsome potential. association with Alexander Isak.
His overall record with Sporting is 67 in 69 games, plus 19 assists. Gyokeres’ goal celebration, where he covers half his face with his hands to resemble a mask, has had fans everywhere copying it and debating its origin.
Speaking further about Gyokeres’ attributes, Ferdinand said: “He has pace and pace scares defenders. He is a willing runner and shows it very well.
‘His willingness to run in these (wide) areas are tough yards. That’s where he does the dirty work: shoulder to shoulder, he’s aggressive. He knows how to use his body, he dribbles the defender… he knows where the goal is.
Amorim helped develop Gyokeres into a star striker after arriving from Coventry.
‘Absolute understanding of space, ask the defenders if you want to go out. It doesn’t sit still, it identifies where the danger may be and heads there. It has the quality. Goals are not scored anywhere in the world without quality.’
Earlier this month, the player himself, however, put an end to speculation, insisting that there have been no talks yet to reach an agreement.
“I probably already have some strikers there, so we’ll see,” the striker told Fotboll Skanalen. ‘No, he hasn’t (he asked me to join him). It’s fun, but I don’t give importance to anything because they are words and nothing concrete.’
Through Fabrizio RomanoAnd he added: “I want to finish this season at Sporting. I love it here. We will see (about a new club) when the time comes. I want to play, that is crucial and there will also be other factors.”