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Is Gabriel Jesus a viable option out wide for City. A few thoughts inspired by @Jack_Gaughan 1/
As Jack’s article points out, Jesus is having a tough season, often lacking both fitness and form.
City seem likely to sign a long term successor to Aguero this summer, a role that once seemed destined for Jesus 2/ https://twitter.com/jack_gaughan/status/1353471608309035008
City seem likely to sign a long term successor to Aguero this summer, a role that once seemed destined for Jesus 2/ https://twitter.com/jack_gaughan/status/1353471608309035008
It seems those days are gone.
Taking chances has been his issue in previous seasons. We can see below he’s underperformed his xg by 15.35 goals in his PL career.
But this season Jesus isn’t getting chances. His xg per 90 is 0.25 (down from 0.94 in 19/20 and 1.14 in 18/19)
3/
Taking chances has been his issue in previous seasons. We can see below he’s underperformed his xg by 15.35 goals in his PL career.
But this season Jesus isn’t getting chances. His xg per 90 is 0.25 (down from 0.94 in 19/20 and 1.14 in 18/19)
3/
They’re pretty startling numbers. His lack of involvement may come down to confidence and rhythm but there’s also been a change in the positions he’s been taking up. Against West Brom for example his average position was only just ahead of Rodri and Gundogan 4/
With De Bruyne generally more advanced this season he’s often been ahead of Jesus when they’ve played together. The numbers show something isn’t working for him.
Can the left wing be his salvation? 5/
Can the left wing be his salvation? 5/
The Real Madrid tie was a great showcase for Jesus’ skills on the left wing last season. He was a constant threat on the break and was excellent defensively 6/
An early chance on the break at the Bernabeau showed how he can be effective from the wing. As City advance on Madrid, De Bruyne picks a pass in-between the full back and centre back. Jesus smartly cuts inside Carvajal and forces Courtois into a good save 7/
When Sterling came on Jesus moved back inside, scoring and forcing a Ramos red card in a great night for the Brazilian.
At home, again on the left, his industry paid off when he forced Varane into 2 mistakes picking up an assist and a goal which won the tie for City 8/
At home, again on the left, his industry paid off when he forced Varane into 2 mistakes picking up an assist and a goal which won the tie for City 8/
Note his successes here. A nice turn and shot capitalising on a good City break.
Pressuring defenders trying to play out and forcing errors.
These actions are typical of Jesus and they highlight why Pep started him on the left wing in this tie 9/
Pressuring defenders trying to play out and forcing errors.
These actions are typical of Jesus and they highlight why Pep started him on the left wing in this tie 9/
Against a team like Madrid, who went toe to toe with City and played out from the back, Jesus brings a lot. His constant hard work makes him a dangerous on the break, a vital cog in City’s press and a reliable defender nullifying the threat from deep on his flank 10/
The problem Jesus has is that City rarely play against teams who go toe to toe.
What he has to do is prove that he can play wide against packed defences. Given an opportunity on the left wing against Birmingham in the FA Cup Jesus was pretty ineffective 11/
What he has to do is prove that he can play wide against packed defences. Given an opportunity on the left wing against Birmingham in the FA Cup Jesus was pretty ineffective 11/
He played almost as an inside left forward against Cheltenham with Mendy outside him and Torres inside him. Again, despite a well taken goal, he was disappointing.
So currently he still has it all to prove at left wing against sides who sit deep 12/
So currently he still has it all to prove at left wing against sides who sit deep 12/
Interestingly Jesus now plays all his international football on the right of a front 3. He was tried in this role in the 2019 Copa America with staggering success. He got a goal and assist in both the semi final (vs Argentina) and the final (vs Peru) 13/
His assist in the final was superb.
We haven’t seen this sort of wing play from him on the left at City so far. It shows the potential he has to use his quick feet to beat a man and produce a quality ball in 14/ https://twitter.com/futbolpermitid1/status/1147967676767199232
We haven’t seen this sort of wing play from him on the left at City so far. It shows the potential he has to use his quick feet to beat a man and produce a quality ball in 14/ https://twitter.com/futbolpermitid1/status/1147967676767199232
With City playing conventional wingers for the first in a while in recent weeks Pep might be tempted to give Jesus a go on the right. He has the talent to go on the outside, beat his man and deliver 15/
So, is Jesus a viable option for City out wide?
Against a team who goes toe to toe with City - definitely.
Against a packed defence - he’s still got it all to prove.
But it might just work out better for Jesus and City if, against the packed defences, we see him on the right 16/
Against a team who goes toe to toe with City - definitely.
Against a packed defence - he’s still got it all to prove.
But it might just work out better for Jesus and City if, against the packed defences, we see him on the right 16/
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