Pep Guardiola says Gabriel Jesus is “the best in the world” at defending from the front. The Manchester City boss said he has still not ruled out using the Brazil international as a central striker, despite his apparent conversion to being a right winger in the last couple of years. But the manager made it plain that he still sees him as an option in that position.
Pep Guardiola said: “He’s a centre forward, he can play there, but when he is played wide he is more comfortable. We encourage him in central positions to be more open, to see the actions.”
Guardiola often plays Jesus in big games because his all-action style fits with the Blues’ high-energy pressing game – he started in the 2-2 draw at Anfield this season.
Pep Guardiola said: “He can play in the three positions up front, and when we need players who can help a lot, he’s the best in the world. (With him) we can be so aggressive, we can get extra rhythm for midfield players, can stay high.”
Jesus has announced that he and his partner Raiane Lima are expecting their first child, and Guardiola believes that will help to mature him as a player – he likes players with settled home lives.
Pep Guardiola added: “He’s a young player who was decisive in these years, he helped us a lot in these years. Now he’s going to be a father so that will be perfect.”
