Former Manchester City midfielder Dietmar Hamann has revealed that he believes forward Gabriel Jesus will be the star of Pep Guardiola’s squad next season.
The 43-year-old joined City from Bolton back in 2006, and made 71 appearances for the club across all competitions before leaving as a free agent in 2009.
Hamann has recently shared his thoughts on Pep Guardiola’s upcoming 2017/18 campaign, and said that he wasn’t surprised that the Spaniard’s squad didn’t match Premier League winners Chelsea last season.
During and interview with the Mirror, the former Germany international was quoted speaking about the age of the City squad: “I remember a game a couple of seasons ago they only had one outfield player under 30.
“And although they’ve tried to lower the age profile, signing Raheem Sterling, Kevin de Bruyne, John Stones and Jesus, I wasn’t surprised when they struggled to keep up with Chelsea last season.”
During Guardiola’s debut season at the Etihad, the squad finished third in the table behind Chelsea and Tottenham, and over the summer transfer window so far the former Barcelona boss has recruited goalkeeper Ederson and winger Bernardo Silva to bolster his squad for the next campaign.
Former City player, Hamann, believes that 20-year-old Gabriel Jesus will be the squad’s key player to help the Manchester Blues lift the Premier League trophy next season.
Hamann, as quoted on the Mirror’s official website, said: “In attack I still don’t think there’s anyone more potent than City – and I think Jesus will be the star turn next season.
“He will be the key player to help City win the title. Despite an early injury he still looked special last season, the kind to make the difference on a regular basis.”
Jesus joined the City squad in January this year, but suffered an injury just a month after arriving at the Etihad, which saw him sidelined for 13 games.
Before his injury the starlet made an impact and continued to do so upon his return, as he scored seven goals and provided five assists during just 11 appearances for the club across all competitions.
The 20-year-old will be a key tool in Guardiola’s plan to lift the Premier League silverware next season.