Gabriel Jesus took the league by storm in the limited appearances he made. What will his first full season in the Premier League bring to us?
When Gabriel Jesus stepped onto the pitch against West Ham, people did not know what to expect. There was this 19-year-old Brazilian kid that not many has ever seen before. Will he be another Brazilian flop like Anderson? The Robinho comparison naturally came to mind.
He silenced all the critics with a masterful performance, recording a goal and an assist en route to a 4-0 pounding.
In eight games he started, Jesus managed net 7 goals while providing 4 assists as well. He also recorded either a goal or an assist every time he started. Not bad for a kid who turned 20 just a few months ago. Pep gave him an opportunity and he just ran with it.
Despite the well-deserved buzz around him, Jesus will certainly not be a shoe-in for the starting XI. Sergio Aguero will always be the first-choice striker as long as he is fit. So what does that mean for the 20-year old? He certainly needs game time to continue developing. He is good enough to play in the Premier League. Where will his minutes come from?
First things first, his versatility is key. He demonstrated that he is equally lethal playing in the wing. In his two starts at the right-hand side, Jesus managed to tally two goals and two assists. His pure pace, as well as the elusiveness, reminds me of Robben. The Brazilian also loves to cut inside and finish, but he can also provide his teammates with key passes. The way he naturally drifts inside makes him an ideal winger in Guardiola’s tactic.
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Second, the depth up top for Man City is not the strongest. The mass exodus of Nolito, Jesus Navas, and Iheanacho left holes to be filled. Bernardo SIlva was brought in, but he will spend more time as a central midfielder than as a winger. There were times where Guardiola was running out of options, especially in the wings. In a game against Middlesbrough on April 17th, Pep decided to rest both of Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane who have been run ragged. The result was a disappointing 2-2 draw with both the wingers coming on as subs. The wide men are absolutely crucial in Guardiola’s system, and Jesus provides a nice insurance plan.
Third, Aguero must rest. His injury problem is well-documented. In fact, last season was the first time the Argentine stayed healthy the whole season. Even so, he missed seven games due to suspensions, thus keeping him fresh. With Aguero getting a year older, Jesus will see more and more minutes come his way.
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Tactically, Jesus is tailor-made for Guardiola. He has a motor that does not go off, constantly pressuring the defense. While his defensive efforts do lead to a plethora of fouls, the Brazilian also creates a plenty of chances for himself. His movements and dribbling also allow him to take on multiple defenses, creating spaces for others to run in to. Most of all, he follows instructions very well, which is a must in Guardiola’s team.
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Gabriel Jesus is no perfect striker. He is still very young and mature in many aspects, namely his positioning and ability to read the game. However, he and Aguero should make a lethal combination up top for City fans to enjoy all season.