Sergio Aguero believes Gabriel Jesus can shine in Barca attack
Sergio Aguero believes Gabriel Jesus can be a success at Barcelona and says the Brazilian is more than capable of scoring 10 to 15 goals a season for the LaLiga champions.
Jesus joined Barca this summer on a 3-year deal after leaving Arsenal for a reported £12.85 million, a move that raised eyebrows after a difficult final season in north London.
He managed only 6 goals in 27 appearances across all competitions, and with Barcelona needing to replace Robert Lewandowski, many would have expected them to go for a more glamorous or more obvious No. 9 option.
Instead, Hansi Flick went for Jesus.
Aguero thinks that choice can work.
Speaking to Jijantes, the former Manchester City striker said Jesus can offer Barcelona a lot because of the way he plays and the type of role he has already filled successfully before.
"Gabriel Jesus can bring a lot to Barca. Pep used him when we needed a more attacking striker, and he had a very clear role. Flick has a similar style," Aguero said.
Aguero is not really framing Jesus as a classic superstar replacement for Lewandowski. He is talking more about tactical fit, movement, aggression and how a coach can use him inside a functioning attacking structure.
He also believes Spain could simply suit him better.
"In the Premier League, scoring goals is really difficult, very complicated. I think he can absolutely score 10 or 15 goals every season."
It is actually a decent endorsement. Barcelona do not necessarily need Jesus to become a 30-goal machine if the rest of the attack is spreading the load, especially with players like Raphinha, Lamine Yamal and others already carrying major threat.
Aguero also had praise for another new Barca arrival, Rodri.
"Barca will really like Rodrigo. He plays very simply and chooses his positions very well; he plays for the team, he helps a lot. He anticipates the game. Watching him on television is totally different from watching him live in the stadium."
That is high praise from someone who knows exactly what top-level control in big teams looks like.
For Barcelona, it all fits the current mood. They have opened the season strongly, sit top of LaLiga and now head to Valencia this Sunday, where Jesus could make his debut as Barca look for another 3 points.
