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'He's a real footballer' - Sporting CP sensation Viktor Gyokeres labelled a 'better version of Erling Haaland' ahead of Champions League clash with Man City

Taca de Portugal

Sporting CP

Amarante FC

Premier League

Manchester City

Tottenham

<p>The Sporting CP sensation has displayed terrific form since the start of the 2024-25 campaign, scoring 16 goals in 10 matches across all competitions. He has attracted interest from Premier League giants like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/viktor-gyokeres-offers-arsenal-chelsea-hope--summer-transfer-after-winning-title-with-sporting/blte604ff48d69efcb3">Arsenal, Liverpool,</a>&nbsp;and, of course,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/viktor-gyokeres-ousmane-diomande-sporting-cp-stars-follow-ruben-amorim-premier-league/blt45c1625a2d215cc5">Manchester United,</a> where his current manager Ruben Amorim is heading to replace Erik ten Hag later this month.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Gyokeres is fresh from scoring a hat-trick against Estrela in a Liga Portugal clash. He will now face reigning English champions Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday. Ahead of the exciting encounter in Europe, Dutch legends Van der Vaart and Van Basten have spoken highly of the Swedish forward, with the former even claiming that he is a 'better version' of City's goal machine Erling Haaland.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Speaking to <a href="https://x.com/ZS_Voetbal/status/1853526678750081105" target="_blank"><em>Ziggo Sport</em></a>, the former Tottenham star said: "It sounds a bit crazy, but I think he’s a bit of a better version of Haaland. Haaland is of course incredible, but Gyökeres has a bit more, or something."</p>

WHAT RAFAEL VAN DER VAART SAID

<p>AC Milan and Ajax icon Van Basten added: "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."</p>

WHAT MARCO VAN BASTEN SAID

<p>It remains to be seen if the 26-year-old will follow Amorim to United. However, the Portuguese coach recently <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/viktor-gyokeres-follow-ruben-amorim-man-utd-addresses-difficult-potential-transfer-striker-makes-admission-manager-exit/bltfde8cdf05829baac#cs3a31367bf35c8afd" target="_blank">hinted that they won't chase the player</a> during the January transfer window. Speaking to reporters, the current Sporting CP boss said: "Gyokeres costs €100 million (£83.7m) and it's very difficult. I'm not going to pick up any Sporting player in January."</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR VIKTOR GYOKERES?

'He's a real footballer' - Sporting CP sensation Viktor Gyokeres labelled a 'better version of Erling Haaland' ahead of Champions League clash with Man City | Goal.com

Ex-Netherlands star Rafael van der Vaart claimed that Viktor Gyokeres is a &quot;better version of Erling Haaland&quot; ahead of Sporting&apos;s clash with Man City.

&apos;He&apos;s a real footballer&apos; - Sporting CP sensation Viktor Gyokeres labelled a &apos;better version of Erling Haaland&apos; ahead of Champions League clash with Man City