Sergio Aguero: Still Manchester City's Go-to Superstar After All These Years

Sergio 'Kun' Agüero; the most underrated player in Premier League history?


It's been nine years since the Argentinian arrived at the Etihad. That's nine years of consistent goalscoring brilliance.


Yet, for all the goals (254) and the ability, the former Atlético Madrid forward remains one of the top flight's most under-appreciated and even disrespected talents.


While the likes of Theirry Henry, Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer deservedly receive all their acclaim, the Manchester City man has no doubt earned his own place among the pantheon of great top-flight forwards of the modern era.


Few striking talents have provided the consistency and prowess of Agüero and yet his name provokes a lukewarm reaction in Premier League GOAT discussions, outside of Manchester.


While on the blue side of Manchester he is a hero - he is the club's greatest ever goalscorer after all - he has often been unfairly overlooked by neutrals and pundits alike, only being included in the PFA Team of the Year twice, despite scoring 20+ in six of his eight complete Premier League campaigns.


Leicester City v Manchester City - Premier League

With the striker now 32 - and with only a year remaining on his current contract - it is time that the he gets the credit he deserves.


His staggering 180 Premier League goals thus far has only been bettered by three men (Shearer, Rooney and Andy Cole), while Aguero still has time to become only the third player to pass the 200-goal mark.


Yet, while his form in England's top tier has always been exemplary - aside from a poor 2012/13 season where injury led to a return of just 12 league goals - the forward is perhaps now better than ever.


Aston Villa v Manchester City - Carabao Cup Final

Under the tutelage of the legendary Pep Guardiola and despite the competition of Gabriel Jesus, Agüero has honed his craft and become much more of an all-round talent than he had been before the former Barcelona man arrived.


With 16 league goals so far this season, before it's abrupt halt, City's number ten remains in the hunt for his second Golden Boot - his first coming back in 2014/15.


The man from Buenos Aires is no stranger to the expectation of the spotlight, having made his debut in Argentina's domestic division at just 15, taking the record from his former father-in-law Diego Maradona.


While his high profile winner against Queens Park Rangers to secure the league title in 2012 may rbe held up as the Premier League's finest moment of drama in near 30 years, the actual goal itself to does not get the credit it deserves.


That iconic finish was no tap in, as the forward weaved his way around the QPR defence before slotting brilliantly past Paddy Kenny as City remarkably clinched title victory.


While it is a single, fleeting moment that will never be replicated, Agüero's time in England is, ironically, all about enduring consistency over time.


As the famed City side of the last decade continues to head for the exit door - the likes of Vincent Kompany, Yaya Toure and soon-to-be departing David Silva - Agüero will be the last man standing of Roberto Mancini's 2011/12 side.


Although his time at the Citizens is surely nearing its end, Aguero seemingly remains hungrier and more prolific than ever.


Despite his size and ageing years, he still offers an invaluable ability to retain possession in attack, while his poaching prowess has definitely never been in question.


Some may have even questioned his suitability to the all-action pressing style of the current City side, yet he's categorically proven the doubters wrong.


Arsenal FC v Manchester City - Premier League

As part of a devastating attacking trio of Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez, the 32-year-old is still undoubtedly the star attraction and has remained the consistent and calm presence in a relatively turbulent season for the club.


The reigning Champions have at times been found wanting this season - as their most recent league game against rivals Manchester United laid bare - yet Agüero has never shirked his responsibility.


With players perhaps set to jump ship as a result of the impending European ban facing the club, the presence of the Argentinian may be needed to continue the success of the Sheikh Mansour era.


As a return to Premier League football fast approaches, all eyes will no doubt be focused on merseyside, yet City's star man will continue to go about his business quietly and ruthlessly, whether you fully appreciate him or not.



Source : 90min