Mikel Arteta hailed Gabriel Jesus’s “chaotic” nature after the forward continued his impressive start for new side Arsenal in Saturday’s pre-season win over Everton.
The Brazil international recently signed from Manchester City in a reported £45million deal, made it three goals in two outings as Arsenal ran out 2-0 winners in Baltimore.
Jesus scored his first two goals for Arsenal in last week’s 5-3 win over Nurnberg.
He also assisted Bukayo Saka for the Gunners’ second goal against Everton.
Arteta has been impressed by the 25-year-old’s immediate impact and, in particular, his ability to disrupt opposition defences.
Arteta said:
“He creates chaos and uncertainty, and he’s always on your shoulder.
“He’s always there to nick the ball off you, and he’s always in front of the goal. He’s a real threat, and this is what we need.
“The moment we give the ball away, he is active, putting pressure and getting his team behind him.
“He has a lot of leadership skills. I can see what he’s doing with the boys straight away, and he’s the type of guy we want.
“He looks sharp, really dynamic. He’s got an excellent understanding with his teammates straight away.
“They are looking for him. He’s generating chances, good connections around specific spaces we want to exploit with him especially, and we’re happy.”
Excluding penalties, former Palmeiras ace Jesus averaged 0.81 goal involvements per 90 minutes between signing for City in 2016 and his departure this month.
Of players to have played at least 5,000 minutes over that period, only former City colleague Sergio Aguero (0.91) and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (0.88) boast a better return.
Jesus was often used in a wide position at City, but Arteta has so far used the versatile forward through the middle.
Arteta said when asked if he sees Jesus as a number nine:
“He’s very versatile, but obviously, the way we would like to develop him is in that position.
“About what the opponent does in certain games, we will have to use him in different positions. He’s open to that and knows it’s part of his strength.”
William Saliba was given his first run-out of the close season against Everton, the centre-back featuring 71 minutes before being replaced by Pablo Mari.
He completed more passes (53) than any other player on the field, and Arteta confirmed the 21-year-old – who has spent three seasons out on loan – is part of his plans.
Arteta said:
“He is in the plans, yes.
“We cannot guarantee first-team football to anybody in this team – you can ask that question to anybody.
“We guarantee that the ones we see and think will take us to the next level, they’re going to be playing many minutes.
“He’s a true talent, and he’s shown in the last year what he can do. But in football, it’s about what you do the next day.
“What everybody did three months ago, or a month ago, it doesn’t matter. It’s about what you do tomorrow, and he will have the chance to play.”
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