Gabriel Jesus' immediate impact at Man City surprised Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola admits the impact of Gabriel Jesus has surprised him but expects the Brazilian to lead Manchester City's attack for years to come.

The 20-year-old forward has made a big impression since joining City from Palmeiras in January, despite being sidelined for more than two months with a broken foot.

Gabriel struck three times in his first five appearances before the injury and then netted on his first start since recovering in last weekend's draw at Middlesbrough.

Attention will fall on the Brazil international on Saturday as he leads the line against Crystal Palace in the Premier League with top scorer Sergio Aguero out injured.

And City manager Guardiola said: "Before we got him we expected a lot of things, but not that impact as soon as possible. He will be the future striker in this club for the next years.''

Guardiola did not directly compare Gabriel to Lionel Messi, the five-time world player of the year he famously managed at Barcelona, but he did mention him in the same breath.

Speaking at a press conference to preview the Palace clash, the Catalan said: "The good ones make a good impact.

"Messi, for example, at 18, 19 years old he scored 40 league goals in a year. The top players are top players.

"Sometimes we talk about needing more time and you have to give that time. Some players come here in the Premier League and the first and second season are difficult and then, wow -- explosion.

"The other ones, they are positive, they are mentally strong, they have skill, they arrive and go wow! It's done.

"When we decided to buy Gabriel, Gabriel had a lot of 'girlfriends' [suitors] to go [to], a lot of teams. But he decided to come here, which was so happy for us. I'm very pleased with that.''

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