‘I don’t think people realise’: US pundit shocked at physicality of Arsenal 25-year-old

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Craig Burley has expressed his shock at ‘how physical’ Gabriel Jesus is for Arsenal by claiming that ‘people don’t realise’, as he told ESPN.

The former Scotland international thinks the Brazil star has ‘great movement’, which everyone expects, but he has brought a sense of strength to Arsenal’s forward line.

In terms of Jesus’ size, he isn’t like an Erling Haaland or a Harry Kane, but he certainly grapples and battles with the opposition defenders like he is 6ft+.

It’s a big reason why Jesus has performed so well in the colours of Arsenal following his summer transfer from Manchester City.

There was a lot of hype and expectations on the shoulders of the 25-year-old, and so far, he is meeting those expectations.

Heading into the international break, Mikel Arteta’s side are sitting top of the Premier League table and Burley told US TV, their fans have got to be ‘enjoying’ what they are seeing right now.

“They have recruited well,” said Burley. “They have a striker that has great movement. He’s physical. I don’t think people realise how physical Gabriel Jesus is.

“The way he uses his body. How he uses that frame, it’s not the biggest, but he uses it brilliantly. They have so many facets to their game, at the moment.

“And if you are an Arsenal fan right now, then you have got to be enjoying watching some football with some backbone to it.”

HOW MANY GOALS CAN JESUS SCORE FOR ARSENAL THIS SEASON?

There’s no doubt that Jesus has elevated Arsenal’s forward line, it’s just a case of whether he can produce those big moments during the crunch moments of the season.

Jesus has four goals and three assists from his opening seven league games and he will be looking to hit 15+ as the season progresses, no doubt.

The big plus for Arsenal is that Jesus is the type of player that can consistently produce 8/10 performances without having to find the back of the net.

But, given that the Gunners slipped up during the crunch moments of last season, when those moments arrive again, that’s when the biggest spotlight will be on the team.