Former Nottingham Forest striker Robert Earnshaw says Igor Jesus looks the “real deal” and could “replace Chris Wood” as the club’s first-choice centre-forward.
Jesus scored two goals to give the Reds a 2-1 lead at Real Betis on Wednesday, to take his tally to four goals for his new club, but Ange Postecoglou’s side conceded late on to draw their first European game in 30 years.
“Of course you’re going to take any point in a first European game for 30 years – especially at Betis, which is a hard place to play,” Earnshaw told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast.
“Occasion-wise it was great. But, with the late equaliser you feel a little bit of disappointment when you head into the dressing room thinking: ‘We were only five minutes away, why didn’t we do this or that?’
“In the next couple of days it will feel like a point gained, for sure.”
Jesus, 24, was making his own European debut but impressed throughout and was given a standing ovation by the travelling fans when he came off in the 64th minute.
“Bought for ยฃ10m from Botofogo – he’s already scored four goals,” Earnshaw added. “They’ve got a steal here.
“Chris Wood was incredible last season – a talisman and real key player. But, you just think his position right now is in trouble because Igor Jesus just looks every part the real deal. His movement, his finishing, he’s always in the right areas.
