Viktor Gyokeres, the 25-year-old striker taking Portugal by storm with Sporting Lisbon, has an unlikely training ground. Forget the glitzy academies; Gyokeres honed his skills at Aspudden-Tellus, a small, local club in Stockholm.
A Diamond in the Rough
Flashscore traveled to Aspudden-Tellus to uncover the roots of Gyokeres’ meteoric rise. The club, with its emphasis on accessibility and community, stands in stark contrast to the typical elite football academy. Here, players like Gyokeres develop alongside friends, fostering a love for the game over relentless competition.
Bjorn Thuresson, Aspudden-Tellus president, acknowledges Gyokeres’ unusual loyalty to the club. He credits two factors: Gyokeres’ tight-knit group of friends and his father, who coached him there. This nurturing environment allowed Gyokeres to play extensively, a stark contrast to the potential bench-warming situation at a more competitive academy.
Early Signs of Greatness
Even at a young age, Gyokeres displayed the dedication and focus that define him today. Bjorn describes him as “very serious” with a fierce competitive spirit. This relentless drive to win sometimes manifested in frustration towards teammates who didn’t share his intensity. However, it’s this same fire that has propelled him to success.
Gyokeres’ physical prowess also emerged early on. By 15, his strength and powerful playing style were already evident. Interestingly, his current knack for assists wasn’t always present. Bjorn admits Gyokeres initially struggled with passing, solely fixated on scoring. This highlights the growth and development Gyokeres has undergone.
The Trademark Celebration
Gyokeres’ goal celebration, where he covers his face with hands, has become iconic in Portugal. Even in Sweden, young players are imitating it. The true meaning behind it, however, remains a mystery. Bjorn reveals that even Gyokeres’ closest friends are clueless!
A Role Model Emerges
Goran, Gyokeres’ first coach, beams with pride discussing his former player. He recalls a young Gyokeres with a burning desire to win, inspiring the current generation of Aspudden-Tellus youngsters. Gyokeres’ success story transcends Portugal, proving that exceptional talent can flourish even outside the traditional elite football structures.
From Aspudden-Tellus to Sporting Star
While Aspudden-Tellus lacks the grandeur of most professional academies, it provided the perfect environment for Gyokeres to cultivate his talent. This unassuming Stockholm club can proudly claim its role in shaping the player who has taken Portuguese football by storm.
