Bojan Krkic on Gabriel Jesus: A Forward Built for Success

Bojan Krkic Sr has lifted the lid on just how highly he rated Gabriel Jesus long before the Brazilian became a headline name in the Premier League.

Speaking to Sport, the former Barcelona scout revealed he had pushed hard for the forward when Jesus was still at Manchester City and on the verge of leaving the Etihad.

“I bet a lot on him. The reports were very good. I went to see him twice when he was at City and there was talk that he could leave, before he left for Arsenal. And it wasn’t just me,” Bojan explained, underlining how widely admired the striker already was inside recruitment circles.

For Bojan, the appeal was obvious. Jesus was never just another No 9.

“He’s a very good player technically. He guides with both legs, drives the ball well and reacts very quickly in tight spaces.”

That blend of technique and instinct, he believes, fits perfectly with what Hansi Flick demands from his forwards. Jesus, in his eyes, is built for a fluid, high-energy attack.

”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. 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.”

Bojan painted the picture of a striker who never lets defenders rest. Constant movement, constant nuisance.

“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, highlighting the Brazilian’s ability to link play as well as finish it.

For all the tactical detail, his conclusion was simple: this is a forward made for a big stage and a demanding coach.

”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.”

The message from a seasoned talent-spotter is clear: give Gabriel Jesus the right framework, and he will do the rest.