Viktor Gyokeres, the in-form striker for Sporting Lisbon, has emerged as one of Europe’s most sought-after talents, with top clubs like Manchester United and Arsenal showing serious interest in signing the 26-year-old forward. However, in a bold comparison, former Tottenham Hotspur and Netherlands playmaker Rafael van der Vaart has claimed that Gyokeres is a “better version” of one of the world’s most prolific strikers, Erling Haaland. The assertion comes amidst growing speculation about Gyokeres’ future, with his performances for Sporting attracting attention from some of the biggest clubs in Europe.
Haaland, who has set the Premier League alight since joining Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, is widely regarded as one of the most lethal forwards in world football. The Norwegian striker has scored an astonishing 104 goals in just 113 appearances for City, solidifying his place as one of the most consistent goal-scorers of the past five years. Given his current pace, Haaland is on track to break Alan Shearer’s all-time Premier League goal-scoring record of 260 goals, a feat that seemed almost unbreakable until Haaland’s arrival at the Etihad.
However, Van der Vaart, who has a deep understanding of the game, believes that Gyokeres, despite being relatively under the radar compared to Haaland, offers more in terms of his overall game. The former Dutch international made this bold claim following Gyokeres’ exceptional performance in the Champions League, where the striker showcased his talents against Manchester City, a club Haaland calls home.
### Gyokeres’ Rising Stock and Haaland Comparison
In an interview with *Ziggo Sport*, Van der Vaart said: “It sounds a bit crazy, but I think Gyokeres is a bit of a better version of Haaland. Haaland is of course incredible, but Gyokeres has a bit more, or something.”
While Haaland is known for his raw power, speed, and clinical finishing, Gyokeres is praised for his well-rounded skill set that goes beyond simply putting the ball in the back of the net. His technical ability, vision, and composure in tight situations have earned him widespread admiration, with Van der Vaart arguing that the Swedish striker offers more variety to his game compared to Haaland’s more direct, predatory style.
This assessment could serve as a reminder to clubs like Manchester United and Arsenal of Gyokeres’ potential value, not just as a goal scorer but as an all-around forward capable of contributing to various aspects of the game.
### Gyokeres’ Form at Sporting Lisbon
Viktor Gyokeres has been in sensational form since his move to Sporting Lisbon, following his successful stint at Coventry City. After scoring 29 goals last season to help Sporting secure the Portuguese Primeira Liga title, Gyokeres has continued to shine this year, with 13 goals in his first 15 appearances for the club. His performances have made him one of the most in-demand strikers in Europe.
One of Gyokeres’ standout performances came in a dramatic 4-1 victory for Sporting over Manchester City in the Champions League, where the Swedish striker netted a hat-trick, outshining City’s own Haaland in front of a global audience. This incredible feat only further fueled the interest from clubs in England and across Europe.
### Interest from Premier League Giants
Gyokeres’ impressive form has caught the attention of some of the biggest clubs in Europe. Manchester United, in particular, are reportedly keen on bringing the striker to Old Trafford, especially with the potential arrival of Ruben Amorim, who managed Gyokeres at Sporting, set to take over as United’s new manager. The possibility of a reunion between manager and player has sparked speculation about Gyokeres making a move to the Premier League.
However, despite the mounting rumors linking him with a move to Manchester United, Gyokeres has remained tight-lipped about the speculation. Following his remarkable display against Estrela Amadora, where he scored four goals in a single match, Gyokeres was asked about his potential transfer to United and his connection to Amorim. His response was cautious: “Going with Amorim to Manchester United? I don’t know. I’m here. As you can see, I enjoy it at Sporting. It’s nothing I really think about. I’m sad about him [Amorim] leaving. We wish him all the best.”
This suggests that while Gyokeres is flattered by the attention, his focus remains on performing for Sporting Lisbon, and any transfer talk will be secondary until the end of the season. Despite his comments, it is clear that he has the potential to make a significant impact in one of Europe’s top leagues.
### Marco van Basten on Gyokeres’ Talent
Another figure who has expressed admiration for Gyokeres is Dutch football legend Marco van Basten. The former AC Milan striker lauded Gyokeres for his technical abilities and overall intelligence on the pitch. Van Basten said: “He’s a real footballer, I think. A real footballing striker. Strong, scores easily and is calm in front of goal. He is also able to pass the keeper, I think he’s a really good striker. I can enjoy him.”
Van Basten’s assessment highlights Gyokeres’ all-around qualities, particularly his composure in one-on-one situations and his ability to score in a variety of ways. Whether it’s with his head, his feet, or his movement off the ball, Gyokeres is proving himself to be more than just a goal-scoring machine—he’s a forward who can influence matches with his overall play, which may make him an attractive option for top clubs.
### Manchester United and Arsenal’s Striker Search
For Manchester United and Arsenal, both of whom have been linked with Gyokeres, his profile could provide a perfect fit. United have struggled at times with their attacking options this season, and with the possible arrival of Amorim at the helm, it seems only natural that the club would look to bring in a striker who can complement their existing attacking options.
Arsenal, too, could see Gyokeres as a potential upgrade to their forward line. With Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah leading the charge, adding a clinical and versatile striker like Gyokeres would give manager Mikel Arteta more options in the hunt for silverware.
### Conclusion
Viktor Gyokeres is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most exciting strikers, and his sensational performances for Sporting Lisbon have caught the attention of top clubs across the continent. While Erling Haaland may continue to dominate the Premier League with his unparalleled goal-scoring feats, Gyokeres’ all-around abilities suggest that he could be a more complete forward, capable of influencing the game in various ways. With interest from Manchester United, Arsenal, and others, Gyokeres’ next move could be a defining moment in his career, but for now, his focus remains on continuing to excel at Sporting Lisbon, where he has become one of the most exciting talents in Europe.