Arsenal legend Ian Wright has criticized the inclusion of 26-year-old star Gabriel Jesus in the Brazil national squad, calling him “mediocre” and suggesting he isn’t worthy of playing for a big club like Arsenal or representing his country. Despite being considered one of Arsenal’s top players with a versatile skill set, Jesus has faced scrutiny for inconsistent form, particularly on the international stage.
Neto, a former Brazil international, expressed discontent with Jesus’ call-up, questioning the decision to select a player not even part of the Arsenal squad and currently sidelined with injury. He argued that Jesus doesn’t match the legacy of legendary Brazilian strikers like Careca, Ronaldo, Romário, or Vavá.
Jesus, known for his goal-scoring ability, assists, and diligent work ethic, has been sidelined due to a hamstring injury sustained in a match against Sevilla. Despite his absence, Brazil manager Fernando Diniz chose to include him in the squad, drawing further criticism from Neto, who pointed out Jesus’ lack of recent goal-scoring success in World Cups.
While acknowledging Jesus’ positive contributions to Arsenal’s attack, Mikel Arteta’s admiration for his skills, and the potential impact of his return, Neto remains adamant about the player’s alleged mediocrity at the international level. The controversy surrounding Jesus’ call-up raises questions about the selection process and the influence of football associations.
Despite the critique, there is optimism about Jesus’ imminent return to action, with suggestions that he could feature in the upcoming game against Argentina. This news would be welcomed by Arsenal, as they anticipate his comeback to boost their attacking prowess in the post-international break clash against Brentford. The ongoing debate adds an intriguing layer to the narrative surrounding Gabriel Jesus, both at the club and international levels.
