JESUS IS OUR ‘NEW RONALDO’

GABRIEL JESUS has been tipped to be Brazil’s “next Ronaldo”, as he begins his World Cup journey today. Manchester City’s striker is set to win the battle with Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino to lead the line against Switzerland, as the Samba Boys kick off their campaign. And he does so with plaudits raining down on him from all sides, including comparisons to Brazil’s legendary 2002 World Cup hero Ronaldo. Striker Jesus, 21, was famously painting murals during the 2014 event in his homeland. And now he is set to take one of the most hotly-contested spots in international football. Inter Milan defender Miranda said: “I’ve been very impressed with Gabriel – he might be our next Ronaldo. “He’s just so mature. He looks like he is at the back end of his career, but he’s just in the early stages. “He’s got an absolutely brilliant future.” Neymar has taken Jesus under his wing at the Brazilian camp, situated on the outskirts of Sochi in a sumptuous five-star resort. But the City hitman (below) did bring unwanted scrutiny on himself earlier this week. One of his friends stayed to watch a private training session – and landed Jesus in hot water as a tweet appeared to reveal coach Tite’s starting XI. The boss himself is a confirmed fan, having been on the wrong end of his talents when he was managing Corinthians. He said: “I remember saying after a defeat by Palmeiras that Gabriel was the real deal. “Manchester City and Brazil are reaping the fruits of the work done by that club. “He’s fast, stands upright and has incredible ability. He impresses me in training – and in everyday life.” Brazil defender Marcelo insists the side have no psychological scars from the 7-1 mauling by Germany four years ago. The eventual champions left Brazil in tears that night, but Marcelo, 30, said: “Man, these are things that happen in football. If there was a trauma, I would have retired from football. But there is no trauma. “I have goals and I focus on them, I have new challenges all the time, and this year’s World Cup is one of them, like also not getting hurt or making the transition from club to international football. I don’t keep things in my head – not even the good things.”