Oleksandr Zinchenko never doubted that “world class” Gabriel Jesus would hit the ground running at Arsenal.
Jesus has made a flying start to life in north London after arriving this summer from Manchester City for £45million.
The Brazilian scored seven goals in pre-season and he marked his home debut on Saturday by scoring twice as Arsenal beat Leicester 4-2. Jesus could have had a hat-trick too and Zinchenko, who played with the striker at City before joining him at Arsenal, isn’t surprised by his fast start.
“Of course I wish him well,” he said. “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 somethings. He needs to work on a couple of things, like everyone, but the rest is unbelievable.
“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.”
Arsenal endured a miserable start to last season, losing all three of their opening Premier League games, but that is not the case this year.
The Gunners have won both their opening matches after beating Leicester on Saturday, however Zinchenko insists the squad won’t get carried away.
“It was important to get the win but we need to improve a couple of things,” he said.
“It’s just the beginning of the season and I think we need to analyse. Still we conceded two goals and from a defensive line that is a lot. That is why we need to keep going - but I’m so happy for the team and the club.
“We have an unbelievable squad. Everyone is working hard every day and everyone deserves to play. We’re an unbelievable team.
“I’m trying to do my best and do what the manager has asked me to do. We’re trying to keep the ball better, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.”
