Pep Guardiola has discussed the new wider role of Gabriel Jesus in the Manchester City set-up, as well as the versatility of the Brazilian and what makes him such an important player to the club.
After a heat of speculation about the future of Gabriel Jesus at Manchester City, with the likes of Juventus in some quarters, Brazil has braced itself in admirable fashion this season.
Operating as a right winger rather than his usual number nine position, the 24-year-old has certainly thrived, with seven assists to his name in the 2021/22 Premier League campaign.
With only three other players in the division having assist numbers better than the former Palmeiras man, Gabriel Jesus is once again quietly traded in front of goal.
Speaking at his latest press conference ahead of his side's clash against Brentford on Wednesday night, Pep Guardiola spoke at length about the currently injured forward's game.
"He is a centre-forward, he can play there," he said.
Pep Guardiola continued, "It's true that until recently, he played more widely, where he felt comfortable with his body shape being more open. He could play three positions forward."
"And when we need runners and players who help us a lot with high intensity and high pressure, he's the best in the world. Thanks to him, we can stay high and be so aggressive." "
"He and Phil, when they play in that position, they help us get extra rhythm for our midfield players and can stay high for our last four long", explained the Manchester City boss.
The Catalan coach concluded, "He's a young player who has been decisive over the years. Gabriel helped us a lot with many things and now, he'll be a father, so it's perfect."
It's impossible to argue with Pep Guardiola's analysis of the number of pros to the game of Gabriel Jesus, whose role of pinning back the opposition with relentless pressure and tactical flexibility makes him such an asset.
It is a reflection of how high Pep Guardiola rated Gabriel Jesus' superb versatility and work ethic, which he spoke of in such glaring terms about the often underrated forward.