Pundit thinks people often forget how young Gabriel Jesus still is

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Leon Osman has told the Premier League YouTube channel what is often forgotten about Gabriel Jesus following his move from Manchester City to Arsenal in the summer.

Jesus has been a game-changing addition for the Gunners. He arrived having never quite managed to establish himself as a key man for the Cityzens.

But he has put that right at the Emirates. Jesus has been absolutely superb at leading the line for Mikel Arteta’s side, spearheading their push to the top of the Premier League table.

Gabriel Jesus’ age easily overlooked

Bizarrely, Jesus has come in for some criticism due to the fact that he has not been particularly prolific. He has five goals in the top-flight since his switch.

Admittedly, he will be disappointed that he has not scored since the North London derby at the start of October. But his game is about so much more than just his goals. And it is probably fair to suggest that the Gunners would probably not be top of the table had they not signed Jesus.

He feels like a senior member of the Arsenal squad. He arrived having made over 230 appearances for City, scoring 96 goals in all competitions. And he lifted the Premier League title on four occasions.

And with that, Osman suggested that it is often overlooked that he is still fairly young.

“The effect he’s had on the club makes him an incredibly good signing. He’s led from the front, he starts the press. Off the ball, he’s absolutely fantastic. That means that those players behind him can all get up and follow him into action,” he told the Premier League YouTube channel.

“He’s still contributed without doubt. His trickery, his ability to drop the shoulder has been incredible. He was at Manchester City for so long you forget he’s still only in his mid-20s. He’s still only 25 years of age, he’s got an awful lot of football ahead of him.”

Arsenal star’s peak still in front of him

To put Jesus’ age into context, he is just over two years older than Eddie Nketiah. And it is probably fair to say that Nketiah still feels like a youngster within the Gunners ranks.

That is partially down to the fact that Nketiah is still awaiting the chance to really burst out of the shadows at the Emirates. But it is also because, simply, Nketiah is very young.

So the frightening thought for Arsenal’s rivals is that Jesus is probably not yet at his peak. And he has catching up to do because he spent so long at City as cover for the likes of Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling.

Certainly, any other side which hoped to sign Jesus in the summer will probably be kicking themselves.