Last week, Manchester City announced the signing of Brazilian sensation Gabriel Jesus from Palmeiras. The 19-year-old, currently with his national team at the Olympics, will join in January after the Brazilian season concludes. The arrival of Gabriel could impact playing time for Kelechi Iheanacho, but the young Nigerian remains confident in his abilities and is ready to compete. We analyze the overall impact of this signing.
Wilfried Bony is Struggling
Let’s not forget that Wilfried Bony is still at the club, but he failed to make an impact since joined from Swansea two years ago, and it could be said that City wasted a lot of money on him. The Ivory Coast international may be nearing an exit from Manchester City in the coming weeks.
Iheanacho Still Have Time
Until Gabriel arrives in January, Iheanacho has time to cement his place as the backup to the undisputed No. 1 striker, Aguero. The competition between these two teenagers will be fascinating as they represent Manchester City’s future.
However, there is no place for both of them in the starting XI, and Iheanacho is a step ahead of the Brazilian because he is already well-adapted in England and had a solid debut season at Etihad in 2015/16.
Gabriel, on the other hand, will have to get accustomed to Guardiola’s playing style and life on the island before being seriously considered for the first team.
Gabriel Jesus Vs Kelechi Iheanacho: A Comparison
Gabriel is one of the world’s hottest prospects at the moment, though, and is a leading scorer in the Brazilian championship with ten goals in 14 games. He is dubbed a new Neymar, and shouldn’t have issues playing in the Premier League like some of his compatriots in the past.
The physique, toughness, and stamina will be his biggest problems, but he can compensate for that with a fantastic pace, dribbling and technique.
Kelechi Iheanacho has established himself as Aguero’s backup, securing his spot ahead of Wilfried Bony, who now serves as the third striker. He will be eager to keep it that way when Jesus arrives, and the fact that he scored eight goals in 26 appearances (19 off the bench) is certainly encouraging.
The Nigerian possesses excellent finishing, dribbling, and dangerous long shots, and his movement on the pitch is quite good as well.
After all, Manchester City is playing on four fronts this year, the season is relatively long, and there will be a place in the team for both of the 19-year-olds. Aguero will probably be rested in domestic cup competitions, and the chance for the pair of youngsters to impress will come in these matches.
How fast Gabriel Jesus can blend into the squad is a relevant question, and it seems that Iheanacho is already an important part of the team’s chemistry.