The machine Viktor Gyökeres definitely never stops. On another planet with Sporting for months, the Swede transposed his Olympic form into the national team this week. Against modest Azerbaijan, the serial scorer scored a quadruple, thus confirming the big victory for his team (6-0).
Another XXL performance, which allows him to settle a little more comfortably in the pantheon of top scorers over a calendar year. Since January 2024, Rooted has in fact scored 58 goals in 56 matches, in all competitions.
In recent history (and in history in general), very few have achieved such a feat and this testifies to the level reached by the Swede in recent months.
The proof is that over the last 10 seasons, only two players have exceeded the 60-goal mark in a calendar year: Cristiano Ronaldo (61 goals in 2014) and Robert Lewandowski, author of 69 goals during his crazy epic in 2021.
So there is more than a month left to Viktor Gyökeres to score a few more goals and try to tickle (or overtake) the two legends created. Is he capable of it? Given his current pace and his incredible form (16 goals in his last 8 matches!), we would be tempted to answer in the affirmative.
Especially since we have done the calculation, by the end of 2024, Rooted could still play a maximum of eight matches, in all competitions, with Sporting. Eight additional opportunities to go a little further into the history books.
Even if, to get to the top of the podium, he will have to work hard and… not just a little. Because Gerd Müller (85 goals in 1972) is still very far away. And we’re not even talking about Leo Messi (91 goals in 2012) which is completely on another planet.
Has been lauded for his goal-scoring feats. Mark, can you elaborate on how his statistics compare to other top players in the league this season?
Interviewer: Today we have two special guests to discuss the remarkable achievements of Viktor Gyökeres. Joining us is football expert Mark Smith and sports psychologist Dr. Rachel Brown. Let’s begin by discussing Viktor Gyökeres’ recent performance for Sporting CP and the Swedish national team. Mark, can you share your thoughts on Gyökeres’ form this season?
Mark Smith: Well, Interviewer, Viktor Gyökeres has been absolutely sensational this season. His move to Sporting CP seems to have revitalized his career, and he’s been scoring goals left, right, and center. In fact, his performance against modest Azerbaijan this week, where he scored a quadruple, just highlights how on-fire he is at the moment. As the article mentions, he’s been scoring at an incredible rate and is among the top scorers over the last calendar year. Obviously, it remains to be seen if he can keep up this pace until the end of 2024, but it’s clear that he’s a force to be reckoned with.
Dr. Brown: Absolutely. I think it’s also worth noting that this sort of consistency and success isn’t just down to pure talent. There’s a psychological aspect to Gyökeres’ performance that has greatly contributed to his recent success. Mental toughness, goal setting, and self-belief are all key factors in achieving such high levels of performance.
Interviewer: That’s an interesting point, Dr. Brown. Can you expand on that? How do you think Viktor Gyökeres manages to keep such an impressive level of consistency in his performances?
Dr. Brown: Well, there are many factors that contribute to this consistency. One of the most important ones is setting clear goals for himself. Viktor Gyökeres has been quite vocal about his ambition to score as many goals as possible and break records, which creates a strong focus and motivation for him. Additionally, his performances this season show discipline and dedication. He’s been training hard, staying motivated, and maintaining a positive mindset even in the face of adversity.
Interviewer: Moving on to the statistical aspect of his achievement, Viktor Gyökeres