BREAKING NEWS: “For now, he’s currently better than me…I watched his highlights every day”: Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr names ONE Arsenal player as the current best player in the world, reveals how he watches the star’s highlights daily.

Brazilian football icon Ronaldinho once boldly proclaimed that a Premier League star would inherit the mantle of the best player in the world, forecasting him as the natural successor to Lionel Messi. Known for his dazzling skill and charm during his playing career, Ronaldinho rarely made such emphatic predictions lightly. However, time has proven that his high expectations for the player in question, Gabriel Jesus, might have been overly ambitious.

Gabriel Jesus, now a key figure at Arsenal, burst onto the scene with a promising start to his career at Palmeiras, Brazil. His move to Manchester City in January 2017 brought him under the spotlight, and his immediate impact in English football earned him praise from pundits and legends alike. Among them was Ronaldinho, who was convinced that Jesus could one day be crowned the best player in the world.

Ronaldinho’s Bold Prediction

In an interview with the Daily Mirror in 2017, Ronaldinho heaped praise on the then 19-year-old Jesus. The Brazilian legend highlighted Jesus’ fearlessness, technical ability, and knack for delivering in big matches, particularly against high-profile opponents like Manchester United and Liverpool.

“Manchester City have a very special player with Gabriel Jesus. Maybe even, in the future, the best player in the world. At the moment, it is Messi. I have always said I think one day it will be Neymar. But at 19, in the future, it can be Gabriel. He has all the abilities to make that happen,” Ronaldinho confidently stated.

Early Success at Manchester City

Jesus started his Manchester City journey in electrifying fashion, scoring three goals in his first four appearances. By the end of his first campaign, he had contributed 12 goal involvements in just 11 matches. His performances reinforced the hype surrounding him, and City fans believed they had found their future goal-scoring talisman.

The following seasons brought success in terms of silverware, as Jesus played his part in City’s domestic dominance, winning multiple Premier League and FA Cup titles. However, his inability to replicate the same scoring efficiency consistently began raising questions about his potential to reach the pinnacle of world football.

Struggles Under the Shadow of Aguero

At City, Jesus had to contend with the presence of Sergio Aguero, one of the greatest strikers in Premier League history. While Jesus showcased his versatility by operating as both a central forward and a wide attacker, he never quite emerged as the focal point of Pep Guardiola’s side. His performances fluctuated, and injuries often hampered his momentum.

By the time Jesus departed for Arsenal in the summer of 2022, many felt that his potential had been stifled during his time at the Etihad. The move to North London was viewed as an opportunity for the Brazilian to prove himself as a leading striker in a team where he would have a more prominent role.

The Arsenal Journey

Gabriel Jesus’ arrival at Arsenal was greeted with excitement. Under Mikel Arteta’s tutelage, he was expected to spearhead the Gunners’ attack and help elevate them into genuine title contenders. His performances in the early stages of his Arsenal career displayed glimpses of brilliance, with his intelligent movement, work ethic, and link-up play drawing praise.

However, persistent fitness issues and inconsistencies in front of goal have hindered Jesus’ ability to become the transformative figure Arsenal need. Despite his technical qualities and contributions to the team’s overall play, he has not lived up to the lofty expectations of being the world’s best player.

Vinicius Jr’s Admiration

Interestingly, Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr recently spoke highly of Gabriel Jesus, calling him one of the most skilled players he has ever seen. Vinicius admitted to watching Jesus’ highlights regularly to learn from his technique and movement, adding that Jesus’ unique style makes him stand out even among the best players.

“For now, he’s better than me,” Vinicius humbly confessed during an interview. “I watch his highlights every day because there’s so much to learn from his game. He’s not just a striker; he’s an all-round footballer who contributes to every aspect of the team’s attack.”

The Weight of Expectation

The burden of being labeled the “next Messi” or Neymar has undoubtedly weighed heavily on Jesus’ shoulders. While his career trajectory has been respectable, it has fallen short of the astronomical expectations set by Ronaldinho. Fans and analysts often debate whether the early hype surrounding Jesus was justified or if it was a case of unrealized potential.

What Went Wrong?

1. Injuries: A recurring theme in Jesus’ career has been his struggle with injuries, which have disrupted his rhythm and limited his availability during crucial periods.
2. Lack of Consistency: While capable of producing moments of magic, Jesus has struggled to maintain a consistent level of performance across seasons.
3. Role Adjustments: Both at Manchester City and Arsenal, Jesus has often been utilized in roles that don’t fully capitalize on his goal-scoring instincts, limiting his output as a traditional striker.

Legacy and Reflection

Despite not reaching the heights Ronaldinho envisioned, Gabriel Jesus remains a valuable asset for any team. His technical skills, versatility, and experience make him a unique player who can influence games in various ways. However, his story serves as a reminder that raw talent and early promise don’t always translate into world-beating careers.

Conclusion

Gabriel Jesus’ career is a tale of both triumphs and unfulfilled potential. While he has enjoyed significant success at club level and established himself as a respected international, the dream of becoming the world’s best has remained out of reach. As Jesus continues his journey at Arsenal, he has an opportunity to redefine his legacy, but for now, he remains a talented yet enigmatic figure in modern football.