The evolution of Gabriel as the boy from Brazil aims to net record at the Etihad

GABRIEL Jesus says he prefers to operate from the left-wing but says his progress in the central role makes this season his best-ever for City.

Jesus is preparing for City’s final Premier League game of the season, and can make history if he scores against Norwich today.

One goal will match Philippe Coutinho’s record of 40 Premier League goals, and two will see him overtake the former Liverpool man to become the second-highest Brazilian goalscorer in the competition.

Striker Jesus celebrated 150 appearances for City last time out, and would be expected to start for the ninth straight game as Sergio Aguero continues to recover from his knee surgery.

The stretch of starts is his longest in three years under Pep Guardiola, as he has had to wait patiently for his chance to start ahead of Aguero. But with the Argentine out injured, Jesus has been given the run of games he knew he needed to build some consistency in his game.

“I think it has been my best season,” he told GloboEsporte.

“I had more games this season too, despite the break. So it helps. Every player needs a straight run and I’m showing it.

“I was able to be more on the pitch, help my team-mates more, and the goals came naturally. I am very happy with my performance, but focused on winning.”

Before lockdown, Jesus’s form made it almost impossible for Guardiola to leave him on the bench, but with Aguero fit, the Brazilian was used on the left-wing on six occasions this season.

Jesus admits that is actually his pre

ferred position, and backed it up with some impressive performances, while he acknowledged that his run as the sole striker has seen his tactical work and finishing in that position improve massively.

Now, he is a legitimate option for Guardiola from the left and in the centre – and has given the manager an effective way of playing both Jesus and Aguero in the same team. “I have evolved my game within the area there [up front],” he continued.

“As I have always said, my favourite position is more on the side, like a side striker who reaches a lot. But I act centrally there in the area without problems, so I believe that I have learned more and more to act there and to do the position of centre forward. And finishing, which is always something that I will seek to improve in my career.”

Reflecting on his 150 appearances, Jesus says he is always looking to win more trophies to go with the eight he already has with City.

He explained: “I think I already have a very nice history with the City shirt, some important titles won. This is already in my career, and I am very proud of it. Of course, I always want more, win more, win more titles.”