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Gabriel Jesus speaks out on playing as Arsenal’s number 9
Jesus admitted he had doubts about his ability to play as a central striker.
It has been an excellent start to life at Arsenal for Gabriel Jesus following his £45m move from Manchester City.
Jesus opened his Arsenal account with two goals and two assists against Leicester City and had a flying pre-season campaign.
The Brazilian forward admitted he had doubts about his ability to play as a number 9, but says his arrival at Arsenal has reignited his self-belief and confidence
He was often used as a winger at Manchester City by Pep Guardiola and when he went through the 2018 World Cup without scoring a goal it affected his confidence.
At Arsenal he was brought in to play as a centre-forward and he has made an excellent start in this role at his new club.
Gabriel Jesus celebrates scoring a goal during pre-season against Sevilla. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
“It’s normal to think that I can’t play as a 9, that I’m a winger.
“Obviously, due to the circumstances that happened after the World Cup, I ended up playing more at the wing in the Seleção and at City as well. Jesus spoke to ESPN Brasil.
“I had this in my head for a long time. Now I have a different mindset and I believe in myself much more.
“I went back to being the usual Gabriel, thinking that I’m a 9, that I’m there to finish, to help, of course not just to score goals.
“I went back to being what I was before, I am no longer that robot that used to be there [at City].”
This is similar to what Edu spoke to The Athletic about what he told Jesus when he approached him.
“Gabriel, I’m here to try to sign you, but not the Gabriel from this season, I want the Gabriel from the other seasons because this season you’ve not played the way I know you.
“You’ve lost your shine. When I see you this season, I’m not seeing you as before because I know you very well. I want the Gabriel from last season because again you have to be Gabriel.”
