As Brazilian starlet Gabriel Jesus’ move to Manchester City was confirmed, we spoke to Brazil’s Head Football Manager Researcher, Paulo Freitas, about the prospects of the youngster.
1) A lot of City fans won’t be too familiar with Jesus, please could you describe some of his main attributes?
Gabriel Jesus is versatile; he can play in the wings and as a striker. He is fast, and has very good technique and dribbling abilities, and has recently learned to finish well too.
2) News outlets have been differing in their description of Jesus in terms of his position. What position is he most suited to?
Most recently he has been operating as a striker, but I prefer him as a winger as he can make full use of his skills.
3) It’s believed that Jesus will remain on loan with Palmeiras until at least December. When do you think that he will be ready for the Premier League?
I think ideally he should move only at the start of the 2017/18 season or even after the 2018 World Cup, but he has enough talent to succeed anywhere. It would only be a matter of how fast he adapts to his new club.
4) £25m is a lot to spend on somebody who has made less than 70 career appearances. Will Jesus be worth it?
I believe he will be worth it. Although, it’s always a risk as we don’t know for certain if his current form will last.
5) With Jesus arriving, there will be even more competition in the squad. Do you think that he’ll be able to hold his own at the Etihad?
It will take some time as Man City have a good squad, and he will also need time to adapt to the league and club. I would expect him to need at least one season to be fully established there.
6) As he’s a Manchester City signing, I’m obliged to ask – does Jesus have any injury concerns?
He doesn’t have any history of serious injuries.
7) And finally, just how good do you think that Jesus can become?
I don’t think he will be able to reach Neymar’s level but he probably can reach a level as good as the best Brazilians (Fernandinho, Coutinho and Willian) playing in the Premier League, assuming he does adapt to the league.
Thanks to Paulo Freitas for taking the time to speak to our editor, Jack Brain.
