Still aged just 24, Sergio Aguero is one of the best strikers in the world and as well as having outstanding ability, his work-rate and commitment are there for all to see, writes Pete Thompson.
Sergio Aguero’s dramatic last-gasp goal against QPR will go down in Manchester City folklore and the striker is playing a key role in his side’s quest for more honours.
The Argentina international struck deep into stoppage time to ensure City won their first English Premier League title and denied arch-rivals Manchester United yet another trophy last season.
Aguero has been a revelation since his big-money move from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2011 and he was named as City’s Player of the Year last season in his first campaign in English football.
Still aged just 24, Aguero is one of the best strikers in the world and as well as having outstanding ability, his work-rate and commitment are there for all to see.
The man nicknamed ‘Kun’ suffered a knee injury at the start of this season which led to a spell on the sidelines, but he is getting back to his best and has four goals in his last three games.
Aguero’s form alongside Argentina team-mate Carlos Tevez has looked ominous for City’s rivals and the strike duo will have a big say in whether the title stays at the Etihad Stadium.
After becoming the youngest player to play in the Argentine First Division at the age of 15 years and 35 days for Independiente, Aguero was always a star in the making.
He established himself at club level and went on to help Argentina win the Under-20 World Cup in 2005 before repeating that fete two years later, when he was also leading scorer and Player of the Tournament.
Speculation that the striker was set to move to Europe refused to go away and Atletico Madrid lured him to the Spanish capital in 2006 for a fee of euro23 million, a club record signing.
His success story continued at Atletico as he became a big fans’ favourite by consistently scoring goals and proving himself to be one of the biggest rising stars of the game.
Aguero was voted FIFA Young Player of the Year in 2007 following his performances for both club and country.
When Fernando Torres moved to Liverpool, Aguero took centre stage and matured to become Atletico’s most potent striker. He won a gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and scored twice in the semifinal in a victory over Argentina’s big South American rivals Brazil.
Aguero married the youngest daughter of the legendary Diego Maradona and his wife Giannina gave birth to their first son, Benjamin, in 2009. If the kid inherits the genes of his father and grandfather, then Argentina will have another future star on their hands.
The following year Aguero helped Atletico win the Europa League by beating Fulham in the final. They also beat Inter Milan to win the UEFA Super Cup.
He played in his first World Cup in South Africa in 2010 and scored 20 Primera Division goals for the first time in the 2010/11 season, but in May 2011 he expressed his desire to leave the club.
Wealthy City made another statement of intent when they paid GBP38 million to lure Aguero to the EPL and the clinical finisher has proved to be a shrewd acquisition.
Aguero was outstanding in his first season at the Etihad Stadium, relishing the responsibility of leading the line as Roberto Mancini’s side attempted to become champions of England for the first time in 44 years.
On the last day of the season QPR led 2-1 late in the game, but Edin Dzeko equalised to set up a tense finale and it was the case of cometh the hour, cometh the man. Aguero burst into the penalty area and fired the ball home to win the title in the most dramatic fashion.
Aguero was worshipped by City fans even before scoring that famous goal but his popularity has soared to a whole new level after that dramatic afternoon in May.
City are hoping that is the first of many titles and they will be hoping Aguero is with them for the long haul despite reported interest from Real Madrid. Aguero revealed he loves fast cars and he has been spotted driving a Lamborghini.
FACTFILEName: Sergio AgueroPosition: StrikerClub: Manchester CityD.O.B.: 02/06/1988Argentina caps: 41Argentina goals: 16Moment to remember: Scoring a last-gasp goal against QPR to win Manchester City’s first EPL title.
Moment to forget: Argentina losing to Germany in the quarterfinals of the 2010 World Cup.
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