Gabriel Jesus will replace Lionel Messi as the world’s best player, says Ronaldinho
RONALDINHO has tipped Manchester City wonderkid Gabriel Jesus to overtake Lionel Messi as the world's best player.
The Brazilian has got off to a roaring start in the Premier League - booting top scorer Sergio Aguero out of the team.
And his fellow countryman believes Pep Guardiola has a special talent on his hands in the teen.
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Ronaldinho, 36, said: “Manchester City have a very special player with Gabriel Jesus.
“Maybe even, in the future, the best player in the world.
“At the moment it is Messi. I have always said I think one day it will be Neymar.
"But at 19, in the future, it can be Gabriel. He has all the abilities to make that happen.”
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Jesus, 19, has taken no time at all to get used to his new surroundings after completing his move from Palmeiras, which was agreed last summer.
And Ronaldinho - who won two Fifa World Player of the Year awards and a Ballon d'Or - was not surprised after watching him score five goals in six internationals.
He added: “I don’t always agree that players should always be eased in — it depends on the type of player.
“You look at Gabriel Jesus and he has no fear at all. He just wants to play and show what he can do.
"He will put in big performances against Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and all the other top teams in England.
“I’m pleased he has been named in the Champions League squad and I think he should play, he is full of confidence. Ronaldo, Kaka, myself and, more recently, Neymar were playing at the highest level at a young age. Gabriel is in that category.”
Brazil internationals Fernandinho and Fernando helped Jesus settle at City, who needed the youngster to hit the ground running and kick-start their season.
Guardiola said: “Fernandinho and Fernando did a really good job because they help him translate things and help him to be here.
“It’s not easy for a young guy to come here and settle in a city during a season, but in the games you have seen what he has done. And not just with the ball, but without it and of course, it’s good news.
“We’re happy with how he’s done so far.”