Now that Gabriel Jesus has opened his account with FC Barcelona following a transfer from Arsenal
, his next task is to continue getting minutes.For the moment, his fellow Brazilian, Raphinha, has been the team’s starting striker. Raphinha, a winger usually, has excelled in the role after Barcelona let Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres leave in the summer.
Barça pursued Julián Alvarez throughout the transfer window, but Atlético Madrid did not budge in efforts to sign the player.
Jesus has been
affected by injuries over the last few years. Most observers peg him as a backup option for Barcelona, at least at first.
Recently, the forward was asked whether he saw himself as a starter or Raphinha in his place.
“Rapha is doing really well as a number nine; he has great ability to play there—he’s proving it and scoring goals, which is the main thing. I also know that the season is very long and that I’ll have opportunities to play,” he said.
For the moment, there’s no suggestion Raphinha would stop starting as a striker. He’s in red-hot form, banging in goals. But with Barcelona playing multiple games across different competitions, Jesus will likely have chances to start in addition to substitute appearances.
In addition, Raphinha could return to his place on the wing with Jesus starting the #9 position. However, that is unlikely at the moment as well, as Barça is well-stocked in the winger department.
