Brazilian footballing icon Ronaldinho has hailed his countryman Gabriel Jesus as one of the best players in the Premier League following the striker’s move to Arsenal.
Jesus joined Mikel Arteta’s team this summer in a deal worth £45million after having spent six seasons in the Premier League with Manchester City.
The Brazilian has wasted no time endearing himself to the Gunners faithful since making the switch to the Emirates. After making a positive start in pre-season, Jesus produced a bright performance in Arsenal’s opening day win over Crystal Palace.
Ballon D’or winner Ronaldinho has heaped praise on Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus
The Barcelona legend said in 2017 that Jesus had the potential to be the world’s best player
In their win over Leicester last weekend, however, Jesus unleashed his full potential, and proved exactly why he was so coveted by Mikel Arteta, scoring twice and contributing assists for his team’s two other goals in a world-class performance as Arsenal defeated Leicester 4-2.
Ronaldinho has long been an admirer of Jesus, saying in 2017 that the then-prospect had the potential to surpass Lionel Messi as the world’s greatest player.
In an interview with the Mirror, the former Barcelona star stood by his bold claims:
‘When Gabriel joined Manchester City I said he would go on to be one of the best players in the world. When he was given a chance, he showed what he was capable of – but at Manchester City he was never shown the love a player of his quality deserves.
Jesus has enjoyed an exceptional start at the Emirates since joining the club this summer
Jesus scored twice and contributed two assists in Arsenal’s win over Leicester last weekend
‘At Arsenal he has been given the chance to be the focal point, he has been shown the love by the coach and the fans, and already he is repaying that.’ He added.
Clearly never one to shy away from a prediction, Ronaldinho further claimed that he believes that Jesus can stake his claim as one of the top players in Europe as part of Arteta’s Arsenal:
‘This season I expect big things from him – he will repay the love shown in him by showing he is not just one of the best players in the Premier League but also in Europe.’
Arsenal will look to continue their phenomenal start to the season when they play newly-promoted Bournemouth on Saturday.