Gabriel Jesus hopes Ethan Nwaneri can flourish at Arsenal, after watching a 17-year-old Phil Foden do the same at Manchester City.
Nwaneri continued his brilliant start to his Arsenal career on Wednesday when he scored a stunning goal as the Gunners beat Preston 3-0 in the Carabao Cup.
The goal added to his two in the last round and, in doing so, the 17-year-old became the youngest player in Arsenal history to score in his first two starts for the club.
Jesus has praised the Nwaneri’s quality and, having been at City when Foden burst onto the scene, he hopes history will repeat itself with Nwaneri.
“I have been with some special youngsters, like Phil and with Cole [Palmer] as well and also [James] McAtee at City, he is very good,” said Jesus. “So to see Ethan in training and in games is good, because I am a fan of football.
“When I see someone young with this quality, I am happy and then obviously I want him to grow, grow, grow and then if he needs something from me, personally, I am here to help him because I am 27. I am young, but I have been in this game for a few years.
“I saw people, I saw people like Phil Foden waiting for his chance and then now, look at Phil. He is one of the best players in the world. So I really wish Ethan can keep his toes on the grass, work, and then it is a question of time for him to shine.”
Jesus was also on the scoresheet as Arsenal cruised past Preston to book a Carabao Cup quarter-final showdown with Crystal Palace.
It was his first goal for Arsenal since January, with a knee issue disrupting him last season and then a groin injury sidelining him in August.
Jesus is aware he needs to score more goals and has vowed that will be his aim this season whenever he gets a chance.
“It’s good, it’s good,” said Jesus. “When people say [it is my first goal] since January, it looks like it’s a long, long time. Obviously, it’s nine months and I understand.
“But also people need to understand that I am starting less, I am playing less. I am not putting pressure [on the manager] or something like that, I am just saying the truth.
“But I also understand that I am the type of player, with my quality, that has to be there and score more. I want to and I am working really hard to get there. Then when I have my opportunities to play my minutes, I try to help the team and also I think now I am more focused on goals.
“Before I was less focused, but now I am more focused to shoot because before I didn’t shoot a lot. Now, I think what has changed for me is I try to look for the goal. It’s good to be back scoring and obviously I want to keep scoring when I have my chance.
“I am the type of guy who works, always. Obviously I am not happy when I don’t play. I am not happy when I play and score, and the team don’t win. I always want to work, work, work and then I improve where I have to improve.
“Last season I had a few issues with injuries and stuff, that people don’t understand. They are not in the club, they don’t understand, but I am not here to make excuses.
“I am here to work, try to be fit and then, like I said, when I get my chance, enjoy playing football and try to help the team win.”
