Aguero makes bold Gabriel Jesus prediction at Barcelona: “He can easily score 15 goals”
Gabriel Jesus has already received a major vote of confidence from someone who knows his game better than most. Following his move from Arsenal to Barcelona, Sergio Aguero has offered a clear prediction about what the Brazilian forward can deliver in Catalonia, insisting that the new environment could help him rediscover his best form.
Aguero, who played alongside Jesus at Manchester City, believes the Brazilian has all the qualities needed to thrive under Hansi Flick. The former Argentina international went even further, predicting that Jesus could produce an impressive goalscoring return in LaLiga.
Aguero backs Gabriel Jesus
Speaking to Jijantes, Aguero explained that Jesus can bring plenty to Barcelona, pointing out that Pep Guardiola used him when Manchester City needed a more advanced forward and that the Brazilian had a clearly defined role within the system.
The former Manchester City star believes there are similarities between Guardiola’s approach and Flick’s philosophy, which could make Barcelona a particularly suitable destination for Jesus.
Gabriel Jesus can bring a lot to Barca. Pep used him when we needed a more forward striker and he had a very clear role. Flick has a similar style.
Aguero did not stop at the tactical side of the move. He also discussed Jesus’ goalscoring potential, suggesting that playing in LaLiga could give the Brazilian an opportunity to reach a strong scoring tally.
In the Premier League it’s really tough to score goals, it’s very complicated. I think he can easily score 10 or 15 goals per season.
The prediction comes at an important moment for Jesus, who has ended his spell at Arsenal and joined Barcelona in a €15 million deal on a three-year contract, according to GOAL.
Barcelona open a new chapter with Jesus
Jesus’ move to Barcelona came after the Catalan club turned to the Brazilian forward following difficulties in their attempts to negotiate with Atletico Madrid for Julian Alvarez.
At Arsenal, Jesus gradually slipped down the attacking pecking order amid recurring injury problems and competition for the striker position. He now has a fresh opportunity in a completely different environment, under a manager whom Aguero believes can bring out the best in his game.
The move is also significant because of Barcelona’s desire to maintain their attacking strength, while Jesus offers the flexibility to operate in several positions rather than simply playing as a traditional centre-forward.
For Aguero, the issue was not a lack of ability from Jesus, but the circumstances around him and the role he was asked to perform. A clearly defined role under Flick, therefore, could unlock a more influential version of the Brazilian.
Aguero also praises Rodri
Aguero’s comments were not limited to Gabriel Jesus. He also spoke highly of another former Manchester City teammate, Rodri.
Aguero believes Barcelona will enjoy having a player like Rodri, highlighting his simplicity on the ball, positioning, team-first mentality, defensive coverage and ability to anticipate play before it develops.
The Argentine also stressed that watching Rodri on television is completely different from seeing him live, highlighting the amount of work the midfielder performs away from the moments that are most visible to viewers.
As for Jesus, his first opportunity with Barcelona could arrive quickly, with the Brazilian potentially in line to make his debut against Valencia in the next LaLiga round.
The Valencia fixture could provide an important test for the forward as he begins a new chapter surrounded by high expectations and direct support from a former teammate who knows his abilities first-hand.
With Aguero’s confidence, Flick’s philosophy and Jesus’ desire to prove himself again, a new chapter is now beginning for the Brazilian at Barcelona — and the goalscoring figure predicted by Aguero could become an early benchmark for the success of the move.