There is something in the game of a Brazilian attacker that has dazzled football fans for years. If there is something these South Americans know, it is how to enjoy the game and make it worth watching. Their quick feet, shoulder feints and a touch for the fancy has seen them equipped with enough ammunition to raise a jam-packed stadium to its feet.
Take a look at the case of Gabriel Jesus for example. The 20-year old Brazilian has been in England for just eleven months but has already become a fan favourite here. His transfer to Manchester City was initiated in the summer of 2016 when he agreed to a £70,000-a-week deal with the English giants. The move, however, took six months to materialize and Gabriel finally joined City on a £27 million move from Palmeiras in January.
Gabriel was one of the hottest properties in Brazil and was linked with a move to many major clubs in Europe. However, it was a phone call from Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola that finally did the trick as he personally convinced the coveted youngster to join his adventure at Etihad.
There was a slight sense of scepticism around the move. There have been many a talented Brazilian who has sailed across the Atlantic only to find that the European style of football is not for them.
However, it seems that the move for Jesus was a masterstroke from Pep. The Brazilian adapted to the league in fine fashion as he carved himself out a decent seven goal return in his eleven appearances and all this came despite Gabriel suffering a broken metatarsal injury in the middle.
Jesus seems to be carrying on his good form from last season. He has begun the new season in equally brilliant form and the Brazilian has scored 10 goals in 23 games for the club, already. He is now also an integral part of an exciting Brazilian attack constituting players like Philippe Coutinho and PSG star Neymar.
It has been a story of a meteoric rise for a simple 20-year old from Brazil to have come all the way to the world’s most followed league and establish himself as a star in one of the top team there. Manchester City seems to have realized the potential Jesus holds and are already setting actions in place to reward the Brazilian for his performance. It is being reported that City wants to tie down Jesus to a new improved deal that will see him earning over £100,000-a-week, a great jump given that he has been in England for just eleven months.
The move is no doubt a smart one from City, as with Jesus staying at the club, City will have in their ranks a genuine goal-scorer and possibly a world beater in the future, not to mention the potential to become a club legend as well.
