The last time that Pep Guardiola started work with a teenage South American wonderkid, the results were rather spectacular. If Manchester City's new coach can get even a fraction of the talent out of Gabriel Jesus as he managed with Lionel Messi, the club's future in front of goal looks bright indeed.
Pep took over at Barcelona on June 21, 2007, three days before the Argentine wizard turned 20. Messi was already an established international at that point, and a two-time Liga winner. But under the Catalan he started the process that would turn him into the finest player on the planet. Guardiola knows how to nurture young talent, making City's latest foray into the transfer market one that makes a lot of sense for both club and player.
The best Brazilian youngsters tend to be familiar faces in world football long before they leave their teenage years. At 18, Neymar was already a star with Santos and on the way to Copa Libertadores glory, while the likes of Ronaldo and Ronaldinho enjoyed similarly prodigious starts in their homeland before moving to Europe.
Palmeiras' Gabriel Jesus is the next wonderkid making big waves in Brazil. The 19-year-old striker completed on Monday 
The player will stay in Sao Paulo until December, when the move will be completed. But it is nevertheless a coup for City. Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United were all reported suitors, but it was ultimately the Citizens and Pep who convinced him the club were his best bet for the future. Gabriel's record so far suggest they have picked up a youngster of the highest quality.
The Sao Paulo native grew up in the modest Jardim Peri suburb, on the northern side of the metropolis, and quickly made a name for himself in Paulista youth football. His big break came in 2012, playing for the amateur Anhanguera team, when he smashed 29 goals to earn himself both the Copa Sao Paulo Under-15 top scorer award and a move to the Verdao.
In his first season with the Brazilian heavyweights Gabriel Fernando, as he was known back then, helped himself to 16 goals playing a year up in the U-17 division. Even better was to come the following year, with an incredible 38 goals in 22 outings to set the all-time record for the tournament.
Currently in his first full season with the senior team, Gabriel has shown no signs of slowing down. He currently leads the Serie A scoring charts with 10 goals as Palmeiras sit at the top of the league, and added another four in the Copa Libertadores to provide the high point of an otherwise poor campaign.
Along with fellow City signing Marlos Moreno, who will play on loan this season at Deportivo, and Rosario Central's PSG-bound sensation Giovani Lo Celso, he is one of the highest-rated under-21s on the South American continent. And unlike other 'next best things', he has managed effortlessly to transfer his ability at youth level to the highest stage.
Even so, comparisons with the great Ronaldo may be overblown. But if the legend himself makes them, who can argue? "I see the similarities. He is very young and already has such success and responsibilities," O Fenomeno told TV Globo alongside the beaming youngster.
Gabriel's direct dribbling and frightening acceleration off the mark certainly bring to mind the young Ronaldo, albeit lacking the physical presence the World Cup winner had. But the teenager complements his technical and scoring ability with another weapon: a terrific eye for the pass that makes him as dangerous 25 yards from goal as it does in the box.
There are also few doubts about his resilience. So far in Serie A the youngster has been fouled an average of 3.6 times a game, the only way his markers can stop him in his path. But Gabriel, equally adept at playing in the middle of attack or on the left of an offensive trident, has shrugged off the hits to establish himself among the elite of Brazil's striking talent.
While the Etihad will be his next home, Gabriel has more immediate priorities. In August he will partner none other than Neymar up front as Brazil go for their first Olympic gold. That partnership will be key in the Selecao's bid to win on home soil in Rio de Janeiro, and will also be the first glimpse of the 19-year-old on the world stage after winning many admirers in his home country. After the Games, he will turn his attention back to Palmeiras and the dream of breaking a 22-year title drought with the Serie A crown.
Such pressure could be overwhelming for a young player. Luckily, not only will Gabriel come under Pep's capable wing, but he also has someone of Ronaldo's calibre to act as a footballing godfather and remind him of what really matters.
"Play, be happy, have fun with the ball. Later coaches are going to ask you to do a load of things, but when you have the ball have fun, do some tricks, but always be looking for goals, that's what the fans want," the veteran told Gabriel.
His carefree manner of playing has indeed been a joy to watch for Palmeiras supporters over the last two years, and after the Olympic Games the name Gabriel Jesus might just make him a favourite in Manchester before too long. > ..... - Goal