Arsenal star Gabriel Jesus has not hit his best form this season, but over the years he has still been one of the most impressive forwards in the Premier League.
The Brazilian has won four Premier League titles in his career, and this season overtook Manchester United legend Eric Cantona for goals in the competition.
Jesus was a revelation in the Arsenal attack last season, but a long-term injury after the World Cup derailed his progress, and he has struggled for both fitness and form in this campaign.
Nevertheless, Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has now named Jesus as one of the toughest forwards he has faced in the Premier League.
Virgil van Dijk praises Gabriel Jesus
Speaking to French outlet L’Equipe, the defender named former Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud as the most difficult player he had ever faced, but named Jesus as another forward who would cause him problems.
“The toughest attacker I faced? I think it was Olivier Giroud,” he stated.
“Every time, it seems like you’re marking him well. But he always manages to score, in one way or another. With the head, with the foot, with the knee… He often scored against me.
“Then, I don’t forget Sergio Aguero, who was very strong, but also Erling Haaland and Gabriel Jesus. Every one (of these strikers) makes you have very difficult matches.”
Gabriel Jesus’ record vs Virgil van Dijk
Jesus has faced Liverpool on 15 occasions with both Arsenal and Manchester City, scoring six and assisting four times.
He scored in Arsenal’s 2-2 draw at Anfield last season as he leapt in the air to power a header in, and over his Premier League career, he has terrorised Van Dijk on several occasions, although one of his goals against Liverpool came when he was injured.
It says it all about Jesus’ quality that he has been mentioned alongside forwards more clinical or physically imposing than him. Although he is not the best goalscorer, he is arguably one of the best strikers in the world when it comes to his all-round play, and when he is on form, he can transform Arsenal’s attack.
Arsenal’s key problem in recent weeks is that none of their attackers beyond Jesus have been in good form, and with no one finding the back of the net, results have slipped.
Many have called for Arsenal to sign a new striker, but Van Dijk’s comments do show that the Brazilian is perhaps underrated at the moment, and his opponents within the league can recognise what he brings to the attack.
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