Gabriel Jesus knows he will never be guaranteed a starting place at Manchester City for as long as Sergio Aguero is there, but that doesn't mean he always has to be the backup option.
The Brazilian burst onto the scene at the Etihad in 2017 as a fresh-faced predatory striker, instantly impressing Pep Guardiola not just with his scoring efficiency but also his phenomenal workrate off the ball. That forced Aguero to adapt his game, and over time the club record scorer has reestablished himself as first choice.
However, after a disappointing year following a difficult experience at the 2018 World Cup Jesus has presented more of a challenge this season. Buoyed by making important contributions in Brazil's 2019 Copa America win, the 23-year-old has been more of a threat and made Guardiola's matchday decisions more difficult.
Jesus gets on well with Aguero and is under no illusion of the size of the task to battle with him for a place in the team.
However, he has been encouraged not just by his performances but by the fact that Guardiola has used him more often than Aguero this season - including the Champions League game at Real Madrid where a Jesus header got the Blues back level on the scoresheet.
"Today Aguero is a little older and therefore he may not be able to do what I can do without the ball, which is to defend, steal the ball and help. I don't know if at 30 I'll be able to do that," he said in an Instagram Live.
"I have played important games, scored goals, I believe I am improving and I have more to improve. I feel that my greatest quality is my mindset."
