After joining Manchester City in August 2016, Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus is ready for the bright lights of the Barclays Premier League.
The 19 year-old officially joined the Citizens this month, for a transfer free of €32 million. In 2015-16, Jesus made his senior debut for Brazil Serie A side Palmeiras and tallied 16 goals in 47 appearances with the club. He also won his first national championship with the Sao Paulo club last November.
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In 2015, he also made 21 combined appearances with the Brazilian U-20 and U-23 teams netting a combined seven times. This past summer he helped Brazil to their first ever Olympic Gold Medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
At such a young age, he has already become a National Team regular and could very well be the face of the country in due time. The forward can feature as a No. 9 or out wide, in only his second season of his professional career.
However, his move has yet to be signed off which could cause Jesus not to be included in Pep Guardiola‘s 18-man squad at Everton this weekend. If the paperwork is completed by Friday’s deadline, Jesus’ fitness will also have to be decided by the Manchester City boss.
The Brazilian wonderkid had also attracted the likes of European giants Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Paris St-Germain, and Real Madrid. He brings a lot of talent to the table and has tons of time to blossom into a true star in the Premiership.
Even former Brazil, Barca, and Real legend Ronaldo was quoted to the Telegraph, stating “I look at Gabriel and see myself in the past, him being so young but already having achieved so much and having so much responsibility”.
But it’s true, at 19 years old he could very well be going the same route as current Brazil star Neymar. The two have some similar qualities and are looked at as the current and future stars of the footballing nation that is Brazil.
Compared to Ronaldo, Jesus is a smaller, slighter, versatile forward who can do a bunch of different things. “He makes good movements, runs in behind,” Guardiola said. “You have to use him close to Sergio, close to our strikers.” Partnered with Sergio Aguero, these two South Americans could easily form a deadly attacking duo for years to come.
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If Sunday’s match is too soon for Jesus, then we could possible see the forward included in next Saturday’s showdown with Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad.