Viktor Gyökeres is having an extraordinary season. The Sporting CP forward has already netted 24 goals in just 17 club matches, including a hat-trick against Manchester City. With additional goals for Sweden, he has scored 32 goals in 23 games this season, showing an impressive rate of scoring. This remarkable form has led many to wonder whether he could break Lionel Messi’s all-time European record of 73 goals in a season, set in 2011-12 with Barcelona.
Aiming for Historic Feats
Gyökeres’ goal-scoring form puts him on a similar trajectory to some of the best in European football history. Messi’s 73 goals in the 2011-12 season for Barcelona remain the pinnacle in European club football, followed by Gerd Muller’s 66 goals for Bayern Munich in the 1972-73 season, and other legendary figures like Ferenc Deak and Dixie Dean.
While Gyökeres’ current tally of 24 goals is impressive, it falls short of some of the other historic records, such as those held by Muller and Dean. However, his performances so far suggest he could reach some major milestones before the season ends.
How Likely Is it That Gyökeres Will Break Messi’s Record?
To surpass Messi’s 73 goals, Gyökeres would need to continue his blistering pace for the rest of the season. Messi managed his 73 goals over 60 games, and Sporting CP’s participation in domestic cups and the Champions League will play a crucial role in determining whether Gyökeres can reach that number. If Sporting’s season extends across all competitions, Gyökeres could potentially play up to 60 games, which would give him a chance to break Messi’s record.
However, reaching this target will require Gyökeres to remain fit and in top form throughout the season, and there are still many variables at play, including potential injuries and the form of his team in European and domestic competitions.
The Comparison with Other Top Scorers
Currently, Gyökeres’ goal-scoring rate is impressive compared to Messi’s in the 2011-12 season. While Messi scored 22 goals in 17 games, Gyökeres has already surpassed that total, netting 24 goals in the same number of matches. His current rate of scoring is a goal every 65 minutes, compared to Messi’s rate of one every 72 minutes.
Despite Gyökeres’ strong form, it’s worth noting that Messi had a higher goal tally after his 2011-12 season, with a remarkable 14 goals in 11 Champions League games. Gyökeres, on the other hand, has five goals in four Champions League matches so far this season.
Gyökeres’ Rising Profile
Gyökeres’ journey to this level has been marked by steady progress over the years. He moved from Brighton to Swansea and then to Coventry, where he impressed with his goal-scoring ability. In the last two seasons at Coventry, Gyökeres scored 18 and 22 goals respectively, but this season has seen a breakout. With a chance to surpass his 43-goal tally from last year, Gyökeres is certainly a player to watch in the coming months.
The comparison with Messi’s career trajectory is also interesting, as both players have shown marked improvement over the years. Messi had netted 16, 38, 47, and 53 goals in the seasons leading up to his record-breaking year, while Gyökeres continues to rise in stature as one of Europe’s most exciting talents.
Will Gyökeres’ Legacy Continue to Grow?
While breaking Messi’s record seems like a long shot, Gyökeres’ season is shaping up to be one of the most memorable in recent history. As he continues to develop, it’s clear that his name will be etched in European football for years to come.
