Brazil legend Ronaldo believes Gabriel Jesus represents one of the world’s best strikers and is confident the Arsenal star can end his lengthy goal drought against Cameroon this evening.
The 25-year-old has transformed Arsenal’s attack this season following his £45million move from Manchester City.
Jesus’ relentless pressing and selfless attitude have been pivotal to the progress Mikel Arteta’s side have made on their way to mounting an unlikely Premier League title challenge.
After an electric start to his Arsenal career, the goals have dried up for Jesus in recent weeks and the striker has now gone 13 games for club and country without finding the back of the net.
With Brazil already through to the knockout stages, Jesus is set to deputise for Tottenham counterpart Richarlison this evening as Brazil look to become the only side to complete the group stage with a 100% record.
Ronaldo, the Golden Boot winner last time Brazil won the World Cup in 2002, has every faith in Jesus and has backed him to deliver for his manager Tite.
‘Jesus came to have dinner with us, he stayed by my side there, I met his little daughter, the most beautiful thing,’ revealed Ronaldo.
LIKELY BRAZIL TEAM TO FACE CAMEROON
Ederson; Alves, Militao, Bremer, Telles; Guimaraes, Fabinho, Rodrygo; Antony, Jesus, Martinelli
‘We exchanged ideas, he is a very good friend of mine, we have been talking for many years. A very special boy.
‘I was chatting with him, reassuring him. He really is having a spectacular year at Arsenal. I was talking to him about how much pleasure I am getting from watching Arsenal play this year.
‘Gabriel today is one of the best strikers in the world and much more mature than in 2018.
‘The goal will come naturally and this concern should not cross your mind. All he has to do is take the field and do what he knows how to do.’
According to Globo, Tite has already told the group that several changes will be made for the game against Cameroon and Eder Militao is expected to be the only starter from the win over Switzerland to keep his place in the side.
Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson will start ahead of Liverpool’s Alisson, while in defence, Militao will move from right-back to central defence to partner Bremer, who is yet to make an appearance in Qatar.
Dani Alves will appear at his third World Cup as the 39-year-old is in line to start on the right side of Brazil’s defence, while Alex Telles will play on the opposite flank.
MORE : Arsenal legend Tony Adams tells England how to ‘expose’ Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly
MORE : Jack Grealish says Gabriel Jesus is ‘frightening’ in training and reveals what Bukayo Saka said about Arsenal striker
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