When it comes to strikers making their mark in modern football, few conversations escape the shadow of Erling Haaland. On BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, former Premier League midfielder Charlie Adam and The Observer's Rory Smith took a deep dive into Viktor Gyokeres' season, offering a refreshing perspective on the Swedish forward's performances.

"I do wonder whether Gyokeres suffers in comparison to Erling Haaland because Haaland has redefined the numbers that we think count as good for a striker," Smith noted. "Although Gyokeres has had a solid season in terms of 21 goals, 14 in the league now—they're decent numbers—because Haaland scored 50 before Christmas or whatever, it looks like Gyokeres is a level below."

Smith was quick to emphasize that this perception is more about Haaland's outlier status than any shortcoming from Gyokeres. "I think the problem there is that Haaland is a total outlier statistically and you can't compare people to him," he added, highlighting how the Norwegian's record-breaking pace has skewed expectations for every other forward in Europe.

Adam, who knows a thing or two about playing in the Premier League, offered a tactical angle to Gyokeres' campaign. "Arteta might be asking Gyokeres to do different little things, coming and linking the play, and then ultimately when he comes to link the play he's further away from goal," he explained. "I think he's had a good season, and what would make it into a very good season would be if they could cap it off and win a trophy."

For fans tracking the striker market, Gyokeres' numbers—21 goals across all competitions, with 14 in the league—are nothing to scoff at. They represent a solid foundation for a player still adapting to top-flight demands, especially when compared to the historic pace set by Haaland. As the season winds down, all eyes will be on whether Gyokeres can add silverware to his tally, proving that sometimes "decent numbers" are just the start of something bigger.