City’s 19-year-old forward has been tipped to make an impact at the very top of the game by a number of high-profile figures in recent months – and former Arsenal star Edu is the latest to back the youngster.
Jesus signed for City in the summer but stayed at Palmieras for the remainder of the Brazilian league season, only making his Blues debut with an impressive cameo in the draw with Tottenham at the weekend.
And Edu, who won 15 caps for Brazil, says it’s become increasingly obvious over the past 18 months that he is a player with the capability to become one of the game’s leading lights.
He told Brazilian TV (via Manchester Evening News) ”From the moment we could work with Gabriel, we saw that he is an extremely focused athlete.
“He is youngster who last year achieved a great player status, but when he showed up in the Brazilian national team, it was possible to see that he will be a great, great player, at the European level, as is already happening.
“He already has a great competitiveness, which he had already been presenting at Palmeiras. And the English league doesn’t allow you not to be a competitive athlete.
“But I don’t see Gabriel with much difficulty because I see him with the characteristics close to the matches of the English championship.
“He has physical strength, is competitive, has all the characteristics. The referee gives few fouls, you have to be strong, the matches are very even.
“And with him there in England, it’s good for the Brazilian team too, who have only to gain from it. To compete and to stand next to high level athletes gives you an opportunity that if you are smart, you improve too.”
Jesus came on against Spurs with around 15 minutes remaining and made a big impression.
Playing in a position on the left, he almost set up a goal with his first involvement, before having the ball in the net moments later only to see it ruled out for offside.
And former Real Madrid and Brazil superstar Roberto Carlos believes he has already shown people what he is capable of.
“Gabriel will be very important for Manchester City but he needs time to adapt,” the 43-year-old told Sky Sports.
“I would ask that people don’t put too much pressure on him too soon.
“He showed what he can do in the last 15 minutes of the game against Tottenham.
“He showed his fantastic speed and he scored the goal that was ruled out for offside.
“It made people notice him, but it can be difficult for a young boy coming to a new country. He has to adapt.”
And, finally, City midfielder Aaron Mooy, currently on loan at Huddersfield, has told the Manchester Evening News he still has plenty of developing to do before he breaks into Pep Guardiola’s first team plans.
The Australian joined City last summer and was immediately loaned to the Terriers, where he has impressed with a string of accomplished displays.
“You’ve always got to back yourself no matter where you’re playing,” he said.
“Obviously it would be unbelievable [to break into Man City’s first team].
“But I’ve still got a lot to prove - I think I can play more consistently. At the end of the season we will reassess but at the moment I’m just focusing on Huddersfield.”
That’s all for today’s media musings – same time, same place tomorrow.
