Speaking on the Seaman Says Podcast, David Seaman has been discussing Gabriel Jesus’ Arsenal debut and his hold-up play.
The Brazilian was tremendous against Crystal Palace on Friday. He didn’t get himself on the scoresheet, but his all-around play was excellent.
Jesus’ dribbling and passing stood out, but, interestingly, his physical attributes were also on show, and Seaman was shocked by just how strong the striker is.
What’s been said?
Seaman dissected this performance from Jesus.
“I was happy with the result and I thought the performance was good. It showed a different side of an Arsenal team that may have lost that game last season. The first half they played really well, Jesus was amazing, I was really impressed, not just in the box but around the box. I didn’t realise how good he is at holding the ball up and holding people off. For a guy of his size, he’s not massive but he’s so strong, and he looked really sharp,” Seaman said.
Underestimated
Jesus, as a small Brazilian striker, is often typecast into the role of a tricky finisher, but he’s so much more than that.
Indeed, while Jesus may not be the stature of someone like Erling Haaland, he’s an incredibly strong footballer who can hold off any defender for at least a little while.
Arsenal were at their best last season when their strikers were linking up with their wingers in almost a seamless manner, and Jesus should be able to pick up where Alexandre Lacazette left off in terms of hold-up play.
The former Manchester City man played brilliantly on Friday, and there may be more to come from the forward.
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