CITY Odd couple firing City’s title charge
GABRIEL Jesus and Kevin de Bruyne walked off the Etihad Stadium pitch with their arms around each other’s shoulders, the kid from the Sao Paulo favela and the freckled, middle-class kid from Belgium.
They had just starred in the brilliant demolition of Stoke, as the Blues scored seven for the first time since the League Cup thrashing of Sheffield Wednesday three years ago.
But there is a closeness and camaraderie among these players which is fuelling the beautiful football.
And it is an understanding, on and off the pitch, which Jesus believes could make City a major force in European football for years to come.
The front three against Stoke – who shared four goals between them and still seemed more intent on setting up a team-mate than grabbing glory themselves – had an average age of 21.
That has helped to create that strong bond, but Jesus says it goes much deeper than that.
“I value our strong relationship off the pitch,” he told M.E.N. Sport. “We have such a strong connection outside the pitch, and we take it onto the pitch. It is the best way to work.
“We are very young and have quality, so that points to success in the future. But the best thing about this team is the mix of youth and experience – that is without a shadow of a doubt the most important aspect of this team.
“The work the board is doing, all the knowledge that the manager is passing onto us – we see it every day and in each game, and we will take that into future success.”
Jesus has had a stellar fortnight, following his key role and assist in the win at Chelsea with a couple of goals for Brazil as they wrapped up their successful World Cup qualifying campaign.
His double against Stoke means that he, Sergio Aguero and Sterling are tied as the team’s leading scorers with seven apiece, with Match of the Day pundit Danny Murphy suggesting the 20-yearold is in the running for the Premier League’s Golden Boot award.
Says Jesus: “I live for goals and just want to score as many as possible. It’s great to score goals in the Brazil national team shirt, but I also love doing it in City colours, too.
“I am enjoying this great moment in my life. I had an injury last season but that didn’t stop me. My team and management really helped me, and they have been great for me in my time in England.
“I learn a lot from Sergio every day, but not just him – I learn from all the team.”
Jesus was not bothered that the crowd sang the name of the outstanding De Bruyne for creating his second goal, rather than the usual tribute to the scorer.
“He is one of the best players in the world. He shows that he deserves to be part of this team,” he said.