Aguero’s next challenge could be to scrap for a starting spot
SERGIO SER AGUERO’S return to training train is a boost for everyone at City, Cit but he returns facing a different d challenge to when he was injured against Burnley in June.
Then, Aguero was City’s first choice striker, as he has been since joining in 2011. In that ti time, he has become the club’s g greatest ever striker, in terms of g goals scored at least.
As he enters his tenth season at City, and the final year of his current contract, Aguero’s position should be as secure as ever.
But the form of Gabriel Jesus in the absence of Aguero has ar arguably earned the Brazilian the rig right to be on the teamsheet ah ahead of Aguero for the Premier Leag League opener against Wolves in three weeks.
It’s credit to Jesus that he has impr improved his game to put himself even close to the position of equal to Ague Aguero. Plenty have tried in the last nine years, but the likes of Emm Emmanuel Adebayor, Edin Dzeko, Mari Mario Balotelli, Roque Santa Cruz, Alva Alvaro Negredo, Stefan Jovetic, Wilfr Wilfried Bony and Nolito have all failed to knock Aguero out of the side.
Je Jesus has lasted the longest of that list alongside Aguero, and for good reason. He’s worked hard, accepted his role, and developed into a fine all-round striker.
His performances against Real Madrid showed a striker capable of playing the defensive, tactical roles Pep Guardiola demands of his players, and his tally of a goal or assist every 90 minutes in City colours is testament to his work on the training pitches. Aguero averages a goal contribution every 82 minutes, and has had far more starting appearances in which to make an impact.
At the end of last season, Jesus wasn’t perfect, but he was exactly what City needed from their ‘second’ striker. Now, going into the new season, he offers a much more reliable option up front than Aguero will.
That will change when Aguero returns to full fitness, but it’s important to remember he is still recovering from knee surgery.
That gives Jesus a valuable chance to stake the first claim to be number one in attack this season, a chance he took with both hands.
Normally, Aguero wouldn’t be concerned at taking back his place, but the difference this season is that Jesus was finally showing the form worthy of being City’s main striker before the end of the season.
A bright pre-season, and Aguero might have his first proper fight for minutes since joining nine years ago.