Oleksandr Zinchenko has told new Arsenal teammate Gabriel Jesus that he can still improve despite his brilliant start to life with the North London club.
The Brazilian, 25, arrived from Manchester City in a £45million transfer this summer and enjoyed an electric start to life as a Gunner with some exhilarating pre-season displays. He continued that stunning form during his first competitive appearance at the Emirates Stadium with a brace in Saturday's 4-2 victory over Leicester.
He also added two assists to his tally as he teed up Granit Xhaka and Gabriel Martinelli to ensure Arsenal maintained their 100 per cent start to the season. Zinchenko followed Jesus to Arsenal having previously been his teammate at City and has suggested that the Brazilian forward can get even better.
Speaking after victory over Leicester, the Ukrainian utility man, 25, said: “Of course I wish him well. And I never had any doubts about him, because he’s a world-class player in terms of his numbers. You can see it as well in how he works along with his attitude every day in training. He’s an example [to others].
“He’s still young, everyone needs to improve some things. He needs to work on a couple of things, like everyone, but the rest is unbelievable.
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“He was good during all the years I’ve spent with him. He’s an incredible player, always hungry for goals which is the best quality as a striker. He doesn’t stop at all and I’m so happy for him.
“He’s the guy who is always happy for the team. The team is always first and the club always in front of any individual thing. The most important thing was three points, that’s so important. We need to be as a team.”
Jesus agrees with Zinchenko’s verdict and was slightly disappointed not to have got on the scoresheet more times against Leicester. Speaking after the game, he said: “Of course [I could have scored more]. For sure. I work all day, every day to score goals.
“After I had another chance where I could have scored… I’m a little bit sad because of this.”
Jesus has a chance to add to his two-goal haul in Arsenal’s next Premier League game as they tackle Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday. The Brazilian has an exemplary record against the Cherries, having won each of the five matches he has played against them while scoring twice.
Meanwhile, Zinchenko is still waiting for his first goal for his new club but did manage to notch an assist in his first outing for the Gunners in the opening-day victory against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
