Fernando Mendes claims Sporting signing lacks physical edge | OneFootball

Fernando Mendes discussed the main differences between Luis Suárez and Viktor Gyokeres, and also commented on the changes in Sporting’s attacking line.

Fernando Mendes compared Luis Suárez to... Viktor Gyokeres, an unavoidable topic, since the Colombian striker arrived at Sporting with the clear goal of becoming the replacement for the Swedish international, who moved to Arsenal this summer. The former Lions player admits that the ‘number 97’ is proving to be a “pleasant surprise.”

“I admit I didn’t know the player, despite the 31 goals he scored last season for Almeria [Spanish second division]. He’s been a pleasant surprise and allows Sporting to play in a more collective way in attack,” he began, in statements to Desporto ao Minuto.

Next, the former Alvalade club player spoke about the main differences between the two strikers: “Gyokeres was a real find. During the two seasons he was here, he won games on his own. It was 50 or more goals per season. If Luis Suárez could imitate that, it would mean Sporting was almost always close to victory. No one is putting that pressure on him. He has different characteristics. Luis Suárez is similar in pressing work, but loses out physically, not because he’s weak, but because Gyokeres was impressive in that aspect.”

Having just made his debut for Sporting, Fotis Ioannidis was also signed to strengthen the Lions’ attack this season, something Fernando Mendes believes could pay off: “He’s physically strong and could form a good partnership with Luis Suárez, once both better understand coach Rui Borges’ ideas. The bet on two strikers doesn’t surprise me, since it will be necessary throughout the season, especially in league games played at Alvalade. In most of them, teams play with low blocks and you need alternatives to ‘break through’ those walls.”

Finally, the former player praised Pote: “Gyokeres was so good that the team would immediately play the ball forward, because, as we know, he could win games on his own. This year is different. Pedro Gonçalves really likes to be involved in the central areas, with various link-up plays. Everyone has the mission to score goals and we’re seeing a version of ‘Pote’ similar to what we saw in the 2020/21 season, when he became the top scorer [23 goals]. I believe he can repeat that feat, he’s an excellent player with above-average finishing ability.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.