Gabriel Jesus has been going through a tough time at Arsenal.
The Brazilian became an instant fan favourite at the Emirates following his move from Manchester City in 2022. He hit the ground running and helped Arsenal become title contenders.
However, since his injury during the World Cup in Qatar, Jesus has really struggled to get going, and he now looks nothing like the player he once was.
Jesus has come under a lot of criticism at Arsenal. Rio Ferdinand thinks there’s a way to get him firing again.
What former defenders are telling Rio Ferdinand about Gabriel Jesus
Ferdinand was one of the best defenders in the Premier League and perhaps even the world during his prime at Manchester United.
The Englishman likes to make fun of the Gunners and their fans at times, but some of his analysis, especially from a defensive standpoint, is very good.
Ferdinand has always been a fan of Jesus, and he thinks the Brazilian could still become a star at Arsenal. However, he needs to start doing one thing – stay in the box.
The Manchester United legend has revealed that retired defenders often come up to him and say that Jesus is a nightmare to deal with if he’s near the goal.
He said on his podcast: “To be fair, Jesus, he may not score but he does produce moments, like the assist to Saka the other day. But, he’s not the number nine who’s going to come on and you say: ‘He’s Chicharito. That’s Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’.
“But he does other things and I don’t think you need that. I’ve actually said this to Jesus – ‘you play within the box, you’re a nightmare’.
“So many centre-backs who are pundits now, they go: ‘I wouldn’t want to play against Jesus, he’s hard work to play against’.
“But I think he spends too much energy working outside where you earn your crust. Arsenal need a problem solved – that is normally, when he comes on the pitch, is to get a goal. Stay within the 18-yard box, do not move outside it and you will get your goals.”
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Mikel Arteta needs a new plan to revive Gabriel Jesus at Arsenal
Ferdinand definitely does have a point.
Jesus’s work ethic at Arsenal, despite his poor form, is unquestionable, but he does most of it away from the goal. He drops far too deep at times to help with the build-up.
Against low-blocks, Jesus’ close control around the box makes him a nightmare to defend against. The more he does that, the more confident he will be, and that will only result in a positive outcome.
Mikel Arteta must listen to Ferdinand and push Jesus higher up the pitch. He needs to stay in and around the box more often than not – we think that will get him firing again.
However, if nothing changes, we expect Jesus to be sold in 2025.
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