Gyokeres’ breakthrough into the Brommapojkarna first team came as a teenager and he soon became a key 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 forwards were injured,” Eklund continues.
“He said to me, ‘David, do you have any players who can play at that level now?’ I said, ‘I have Viktor.’ He is a good player; “He’s strong enough to play with older players and he’s working hard.”
“No one in Bromma thought about him. It took time, maybe two or three months, but then it started to settle. The coach called me and said, ‘wow.'”
Gyokeres’ move to Coventry in 2021, where he scored 39 goals, was a pivotal moment. He became the Sky Blues’ main man and developed a great understanding with coach Mark Robins, who once again overcame initial skepticism.
“He first arrived on loan for half a season and did well, but not all fans were interested in him returning the following season,” says BBC CWR’s Clive Eakin. “But Mark Robins clearly saw something in his and bought it permanently.
“From then on it was clear that it was something special. His ability to run at and through defenders. [stood out]. Every time he picked up the ball around the halfway line, you imagined his chances of passing and scoring. “He has strength and confidence in his finishing.”
The Premier League clubs were linked before Gyokeres joined Sporting. Instead, it was Manchester City manager Hugo Viana who took the opportunity to sign him, and the Swede’s reputation has skyrocketed ever since.
