Brazil icon Ronaldo has been "reassuring" Gabriel Jesus about his Arsenal form as he looks to make his first start of the World Cup.
The Gunners frontman has been a revelation at the Emirates this term and has been integral to their impressive start to the season. He made the switch from Manchester City in the summer and has blossomed as the main man, scoring on five occasions.
Jesus has by no means prolific in his career, but has often earned huge plaudits for how he's complimented his team-mates. Ronaldo, in contrast, was incredibly ruthless in front of goal and has reminded his compatriot about how impressive his displays have been.
He told UOL Esporte : “Jesus came to have dinner with us, he stayed by my side there, I met his little daughter, the most beautiful thing. 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.”
Jesus' performances for Arsenal have not been enough to earn him a starting role with Brazil however as he's been usurped by another man from north London. Richarlison, who moved to Tottenham in the summer, has established himself as the No 9 and has been impressive thus far at the World Cup.
With Brazil already assured of a place in the knockouts Tite is set to ring the changes and is poised to name a completely different starting XI. Jesus is set to start alongside team-mate Gabriel Martinelli with Ronaldo urging the Arsenal man to put pressure on his team-mate.
“Gabriel is there as Richarlison’s reserve, but pressing," he added. "I hope he plays a great game that he can score a lot of goals and put even more pressure on Richarlison, that this dispute between them is very healthy, very cool.”
Tite did leave Jesus out of the Brazil squad for the round of internationals in September, but wanted the player to react positively, and he was subsequently named in the group that travelled to Qatar.
The Arsenal man though is battling against some major names for a starting role, such is the current depth in the Brazil squad. Neymar is the team's leading light, but has been injured since the opening game. Even in his absence Tite can still call upon the likes of Vinicius Jnr, Rodrygo, Antony and Raphinha.
