Former World Cup-winner Gilberto Silva says he has been impressed with the impact Gabriel Jesus has made since arriving at Manchester City.
Brazil international Jesus arrived from Palmeiras in January and has proved an instant hit in the Premier League, hitting four goals in seven Premier League appearances during a stay that was interrupted by a foot injury.
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And former Selecao star Gilberto believes the 20-year-old will get even better as he adapts to his new environment.
"Gabriel is already doing really well because it is not easy for a young player to arrive at a club as big as Man City, with all the pressure that exists at a club like that,” Gilberto Silva told Brasil Global Tour.
“He has come straight in and performed at centre-forward, like he did at Palmeiras, proving that he has learned a lot about the position.
“He has to settle in England now, which he is already doing, and as time goes on I am sure he will overcome the language issues and feel more comfortable at the club and gain a better understanding of the English culture.”
Speaking at CBF’s Somos Futebol event this week, the 93-time capped former Brazil international also expressed how impressed he has been with the Selecao’s transformation under new coach Tite, who has led them to eight consecutive victories in World Cup qualifying.
"It's nice to see the Selecao enjoy this period of success after being under so much pressure following the terrible result in World Cup 2014," he said.
“Brazil had to re-evaluate and start all over again. Now, with Tite, the Selecao has been reunited. We hope this form continues because we are only one year away from the next World Cup, which will come around very quickly.
“Having the opportunity to build a side during qualifying has been very important, and it was something we did not have in 2014. I am convinced they will be very well prepared for Russia.”
GettyFormer Arsenal midfielder Gilberto said he has been particularly impressed by the midfield trio of Casmiro, Paulinho and Renaro Augusto.
"There has been a lot of hard work and it has all worked out. You have to remember Paulinho hadn’t been called [since the World Cup] and Renato Augusto was perhaps not taking his chance to impress," he said.
“Casemiro has been playing very well at Real Madrid and every one of them know they have had to perform because there was very little time to work on things – they have all had to be ready.”