'It took longer to adapt to Viktor Gyokeres' - Sporting CP are thriving with Arsenal striker's replacement as 'even better performances' expected by Luis Suarez

After a drawn out and controversial transfer drama surrounding Gyokeres' eventual departure to Arsenal, Sporting sealed the signing of Suarez from Spanish side Almeria in a fee worth €25 million (£22m/$29m). Head coach Rui Borges was confident that Suarez "will leave his mark on Sporting." Those words are beginning to come true. 

Speaking to Jornal Sporting, the club's official magazine which was published on their website on Wednesday, Goncalves pointed out the differences between Suarez and Gyokeres. 

"With Viktor, it took us longer to adapt because he wasn't a player who sought out connections, first touches, and those one-twos, but rather depth," he explained. 

"At that point, it was harder for me to adapt to his style of play, but then he made history at the Club, as we know. Now, the start has been quite easy playing with Luis and [Francisco] Trincao. We've been doing what the manager asks, with our individual qualities. I think the game is flowing well and will certainly continue. We'll put in even better performances."

Suarez has started the 2025-26 season in incredible fashion. Having featured in Spain's second division with Almeria last season, the 27-year-old is relishing the challenges that come with any top-flight league. Suarez seems to be hitting his prime, having already scored three goals and recorded as many assists in six games for his new club. Additionally, he scored four goals against Venezuela in Colombia's World Cup qualifying clash last week.

Suarez has been given the unenviable task of replacing the goals Gyokeres offered in his time at the Portuguese giants. He netted a whopping 97 goals in just 102 matches, providing plenty of assists along the way before the Swedish hitman left to join Arsenal in a £64 million ($74m) transfer. He is already off to a decent start in England, having scored three in five competitive games this season.

Sporting, meanwhile, are three points behind Porto in the Portuguese top-flight after five matches and Goncalves will be hoping his praise provides a big boost as they hunt down another league title.