The Brazilian Striker is a main contender for the Golden Boot at Russia 2018. The Taylor Takeover put forward an argument for this case.
The upcoming World Cup will have an abundance of superstar forward lines. France, Argentina and Brazil in particular boast an exciting blend of pacey, skilful attackers and the race to be top scorer will be an interesting subplot in what should be an exciting tournament.
Gabriel Jesus is among the favourites to win the golden boot, and with good reason. In Brazil’s qualification campaign he registered 7 goals and 5 assists in 10 appearances and overall for Brazil has scored 10 goals in 17 appearances. Since scoring a brace on his debut against Ecuador in 2016 he has been a consistent goalscorer for the Selecao and has scored against formidable opponents like Chile and Germany. He has also formed a fruitful relationship with Brazil’s star player Neymar. Neymar assisted 3 of Jesus’ 7 goals in qualification and registered 9 assists in total showing that he is willing to take up a more creative role for Brazil which will help Jesus massively in his quest for goals. These two will likely be joined by Philippe Coutinho and Willian to complete Brazil’s attack. With Neymar, Coutinho and Willian in support, Jesus will receive more than enough service to fill his boots in Russia.
Having been given Brazil’s number 9 shirt and starting all of their last 3 games. Jesus seems to be Tite’s first choice centre forward going into the tournament, seeing off Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino in the process. His sharp movement and natural goalscoring instincts make him a better fit with Brazil’s creative talent than Firmino who is more of a false 9 or support striker.
Brazil will share a group with Switzerland, Serbia and Costa Rica all teams you expect them to beat comfortably. The group stages will present Jesus with the opportunity build a healthy tally ahead of the knockout stages where his contributions will be a determining factor in how far Brazil progress. Last season Jesus scored goals against Spurs, Arsenal, Liverpool in both the League and Champions League and Napoli suggesting he is able to score goals when the stakes are high, and he can be depended on in the knockout rounds.
Brazil have a strong squad from back to front and qualified comfortably ahead of some great teams, for this they are deservedly among the favourites. Their abundance of creative talent and solid backline should carry them far into the tournament and Gabriel Jesus is in prime position to capitalise on the great team behind him.
He is in with a chance of finishing the tournament with the golden boot and a winners medal.