Bojan Krkic on Gabriel Jesus: Ideal Modern Forward

Bojan Krkic Sr has revealed just how heavily he once pushed for Gabriel Jesus, describing the Brazilian as the ideal modern forward and a perfect fit for Hansi Flick’s demands.

“I bet a lot on him,” Krkic told Sport, explaining that he personally scouted Jesus twice during his time at Manchester City, when the striker’s future was still up in the air and before his eventual move to Arsenal. He wasn’t alone in his admiration, but his conviction was clear.

“The reports were very good,” he said. “He’s a very good player technically. He uses both legs, drives the ball well and reacts very quickly in tight spaces.”

For Krkic, Jesus is the antithesis of the old-school penalty-box poacher. That, he believes, is exactly why a coach like Flick would be drawn to him.

“Gabriel Jesus is not a static centre-forward, he can appear in all areas of the area and also drop to the wing. And that is precisely what Hansi wants: that they constantly exchange positions,” he explained.

What really elevates Jesus, in Krkic’s eyes, is his work without the ball.

“The good thing about him is that he is very hardworking. He is a team player and works a lot on the first press. When he has to go to press, he really gets involved.”

Krkic painted the picture of a forward who never stops moving, never stops asking questions of a defence.

“He has a lot of mobility, he messes up the defense, he offers passing lines, he presses and he associates. Gabriel perhaps gives you even more in that associative game,” he added, underlining the Brazilian’s ability to link play and connect with teammates between the lines.

For any club prepared to trust him, Krkic believes the upside is huge.

“It’s a golden opportunity. He has a mentality, he is aggressive when he plays, he has a change of pace and quality to finish. He can be a great success for the club.”