Manchester City football director Txiki Begiristain says striker Gabriel Jesus is “unbelievable”.
The Blues striker netted his first goal for nine games as City blew away Newcastle 5-0 at the Etihad Stadium last night.
And that was important for the Brazil number nine, whose form and confidence have been a roller-coaster, the highs of which coincide with him scoring.
Jesus has the unenviable task of stepping in for the club’s all-time top goalscorer Sergio Aguero, a player with the experience to know – when he hits a barren patch - that the goals will start flowing again.
Aguero is injured, expected to miss the rest of the domestic season, and is a big doubt for the Champions League last-16 second leg against Real Madrid on August 7 or 8.
So that Jesus goal last night was important for the player but also for the club as well.
And Begiristain, who was at the heart of the decision to spend £27million on a teenage Jesus when he was at Palmeiras, was quick to praise the 23-year-old.
"His work rate is unbelievable,” said Begiristain. “He helps a lot by creating space for the midfielders.
“He’s the number nine and he likes to score and today he could. We are always happy with the work rate.”
It is odd that Jesus is under scrutiny, as his stats this season are remarkable – 18 goals in 45 appearances is good for any striker.
And his City career total of 63 in 144 appearances would be exceptional anywhere else – but does not compare favourably to Aguero’s 254 in 370 games.
