Monday Gossip

He’s had players, pundits and fans alike talking since he rocked up in Manchester, so it’s little surprise that Gabriel Jesus is once again the focal point of our morning media round-up.


As we peruse the back pages for today’s City-centric headlines, he’s had praise from a football icon and tonight’s opposition, while there’s also recognition for the in-form Leroy Sane, too.

Starting with our newest recruit, and Ronaldinho has lavished praise on his young compatriot.

As a two time FIFA World Player of the Year, the Brazilian legend knows a thing or two about reaching the top of the game – something he’s predicting our own Selecao star will replicate.

“Manchester City have a very special player with Gabriel Jesus," he told the Mirror.

“Maybe even, in the future, the best player in the world.

“At the moment it is Messi. I have always said I think one day it will be Neymar. But at 19, in the future, it can be Gabriel. He has all the abilities to make that happen.

“You look at Gabriel Jesus and he has no fear at all. He just wants to play and show what he can do.

“He will put in big ­performances against Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and all the other top teams in England."

A goal against Bournemouth would continue the 19-year-old's fine start in the blue shirt, and the man devising a plan to nullify his threat is well aware of the forward's attributes.

“I have been impressed with Jesus for sure," said Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe.

“They have been very impressive the last couple of games and he’s been a big player for them but they have other players who can turn a game in a second.

“We respect their players but there’s no way we can be fearful or worried about any of them."

Meanwhile, the equally impactful Leroy Sane has garnered praise from Sky Sports’ Nick Wright, who highlights that the German is producing the stats to back up his impressive performances of late.

Describing him as ‘integral’ to Pep Guardiola’s set-up, he writes: “He [Sane] is playing with confidence. No City player has averaged more successful dribbles per 90 minutes, and he has provided pace and penetration few players can match.

“Guardiola's high-pressing system demands a certain kind of player, and Sane fits the mould better than anyone.

“The stats show he is top among City's forwards for both ball recoveries (6.4 per 90 minutes) and tackles (2.2 per 90 minutes), and that ability to steal possession in dangerous areas is invaluable."

That’s all for today, folks, but stay tuned to mancity.com for all the build-up and live coverage to see how Jesus and Sane get on at the Vitality Stadium this evening.