Guardiola: 'Gabriel Jesus is like Eto'o but still loses to Ronaldo'

'The Spanish coach "both tosses and catches" Man City's rising striker.

"Gabriel Jesus reminds me of Eto'o because of the way he actively defends from a distance. And in the penalty area, he is a goal-scoring machine," coach Pep Guardiola said at a press conference before round 12 of the Premier League.

However, he also reminded his students to try harder: "But Jesus cannot compare with Ronaldo. It is true that he has the potential to become a top scorer, but he needs to improve further."

Jesus once revealed that Guardiola was the biggest reason he chose to join Man City.

Jesus was given the number 9 shirt for Brazil, which once belonged to the legendary Ronaldo. In 13 appearances for the national team, the striker who grew up in Palmeiras has scored seven goals. His scoring record at Man City is equally impressive, with 16 goals in 27 appearances.

"We want to help him become an even better player. We hope Gabriel will stay at Etihad for many more years. We are proud that he chose Man City instead of the top teams in Europe," Guardiola promised. Currently, Jesus does not have a starting position at Man City, because the team only plays with one striker, Sergio Aguero.

The Premier League leaders are eight points clear of second place, but face defensive problems in Round 12. Centre-back Nicolas Otamendi is suspended, while Vincent Kompany has just recovered from injury. On the left side of defence, Delph is struggling with fitness, giving Guardiola a headache, as he is the most effective personnel solution after Mendy - left-back is out for the rest of the season due to injury.

"We still have Mangala. Kompany can come back and Kyle Walker and Fernandinho are always available to play at centre-back," Guardiola revealed ahead of the trip to Leicester City. "But I'm not sure about the possibility of left-back Fabian Delph."

According to VNE