When Manchester City signed Gabriel Jesus in the January transfer window for £27 million, there wouldn't have been too many fans expecting the 19-year-old to hit the ground running in quite the immediate manner he has done.
Whilst the Brazilian forward came to England with a growing reputation and an already impressive CV under his belt, his signing was mostly billed as ‘one for the future’ with City already having the services of Sergio Aguero, Nolito and Kelechi Iheanacho at their disposal.
Despite this, Jesus has quickly found his way into the Manchester club’s starting-XI; netting a notable three goals, and contributing a further two assists in just four appearances for his new side.
A record such as this was bound to draw attention to the player as it was, but with Sunday’s performance against Swansea proving to be key in securing the three points, Jesus’ name will only be thrust further into the headlines. What I want to ask though is whether we’re at risk of getting carried away in our praise of the young man’s form?
Whilst the Brazilian forward came to England with a growing reputation and an already impressive CV under his belt, his signing was mostly billed as ‘one for the future’ with City already having the services of Sergio Aguero, Nolito and Kelechi Iheanacho at their disposal.
Despite this, Jesus has quickly found his way into the Manchester club’s starting-XI; netting a notable three goals, and contributing a further two assists in just four appearances for his new side.
A record such as this was bound to draw attention to the player as it was, but with Sunday’s performance against Swansea proving to be key in securing the three points, Jesus’ name will only be thrust further into the headlines. What I want to ask though is whether we’re at risk of getting carried away in our praise of the young man’s form?
Gabriel Jesus
For any forward, it is generally a given that three goals in their first four games would be considered a good return. In Jesus' case, however, it should not be forgotten that two of his three goals so far have come against a Swansea side which has conceded a divisional high 54 goals in 24 games - an average of over two goals per match. Not only this, but the striker's first goal for the club came against a West Ham side who have leaked 12 goals in just three games against City this season.
A case can also be made to suggest that Jesus’ match winning goal against Swansea was somewhat fortuitous as before eventually scoring, the Brazilian forward squandered a great chance to secure the points; placing a tame header at the gloves of Lukasz Fabianski. Luckily for the number 33 though, the Swans’ goalkeeper was unable to keep hold of the ball and Jesus was gifted with a second opportunity to finish; a chance which he duly took.
Despite the clear element of luck to this goal, there is an argument to be made that you’ve got to be in the right place at the right time to score, and that regardless of the opposition it was still Jesus’ two goals that earnt City an invaluable three points on Sunday.
Moments of brilliance have also been apparent in his appearances so far. A stunning assist in the FA Cup fourth round against Crystal Palace particularly stands out, and another brilliant assist would have followed in the Premier League had David Silva converted the Brazilian's back heeled flick into a goal.
As well as this, pundits have also been quick to praise the youngster’s visible confidence on the ball, specifically singling out his athleticism and intelligent forward thinking. Whilst these are all great traits to have, is it not a bit early to be giving a 19-year-old such high praise?
Obviously, a footballer cannot make his name in just four games, and with Jesus being so new to the Premier League it’ll be hard to truly gauge his potential until he secures a prolonged spell in the City team. The youngster has certainly made some impact already though, and I for one very much look forward to seeing the development of Gabriel Jesus as a Manchester City player.
A case can also be made to suggest that Jesus’ match winning goal against Swansea was somewhat fortuitous as before eventually scoring, the Brazilian forward squandered a great chance to secure the points; placing a tame header at the gloves of Lukasz Fabianski. Luckily for the number 33 though, the Swans’ goalkeeper was unable to keep hold of the ball and Jesus was gifted with a second opportunity to finish; a chance which he duly took.
Despite the clear element of luck to this goal, there is an argument to be made that you’ve got to be in the right place at the right time to score, and that regardless of the opposition it was still Jesus’ two goals that earnt City an invaluable three points on Sunday.
Moments of brilliance have also been apparent in his appearances so far. A stunning assist in the FA Cup fourth round against Crystal Palace particularly stands out, and another brilliant assist would have followed in the Premier League had David Silva converted the Brazilian's back heeled flick into a goal.
As well as this, pundits have also been quick to praise the youngster’s visible confidence on the ball, specifically singling out his athleticism and intelligent forward thinking. Whilst these are all great traits to have, is it not a bit early to be giving a 19-year-old such high praise?
Obviously, a footballer cannot make his name in just four games, and with Jesus being so new to the Premier League it’ll be hard to truly gauge his potential until he secures a prolonged spell in the City team. The youngster has certainly made some impact already though, and I for one very much look forward to seeing the development of Gabriel Jesus as a Manchester City player.
Very good article.
ReplyDeleteWhat a load of rubbish
ReplyDeleteThanks, Connor 😉
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