Gabriel Jesus has been forced to up his game to compete with Sergio Aguero for a place in the Manchester City team.
And the Brazil striker has pinpointed two ways in which he has already improved.
The 22-year-old got his reward from Pep Guardiola by starting at Everton – and scoring a neat opening goal as the Blues won 3-1.
Jesus has a great record against the Toffees, having scored five times in his four games against them.
But he afterwards revealed that he has been working hard at improving his goalscoring rate – the one are where he does not compete with Aguero.
“I'm now way cooler in front of the goal, my shot precision is way much better than before,” he told Esporte Interativo.
“I scored three goals this season with my left foot, which used to be my weakness. I'm always looking for development.”
Jesus may have to make way for Aguero as the Blues take on Dinamo Zagreb in their first home game in this season’s Champions League tomorrow night.
Jesus thinks this could be City’s year after three agonising exits on away goals rule.
“The work that the club has been doing speaks for itself,” he said. “Man City has been growing a lot, two Premier League titles in a row, four trophies last season, playing very good football.
“Liverpool had a great Premier League, losing just one game, and didn't win it not because they weren't good but due to our own merits.
“We've kept a high level of concentration when we couldn't lose a point, so we are more prepared now. We are more mature and hopefully this year will be better.”
Asked if winning the Champions League was a dream, he said: “Every player has the desire to play and win the Champions League.
“World Cup is the first and then Champions League comes next. I do share this desire and try to do my best in every opportunity like the Shakhtar match.
“I try to keep my dreams to myself, I don't like to share. But obviously I want to win more titles - the Champions League. I have a long way of development ahead.”
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