Sergio Aguero is “very, very close” to being the Premier League’s finest foreign import, according to Brighton boss Chris Hughton.
Argentina striker Aguero is Manchester City’s record scorer having hit 205 goals in all competitions since a £38million move from Atletico Madrid in 2011.
The prolific 30-year-old has struck 147 times in the Premier League during that time, with Frenchman Thierry Henry the only overseas player to have registered more following his 175 goals for Arsenal.
Hughton, who takes Albion to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, believes Aguero has been consistently brilliant.
“It’s very difficult to say the best, but he is very close to the best,” said Hughton.
“He’s been here for a good while now.
“This is not a player that’s done it over a couple of seasons – you might see a player come over and over two or three season being brilliant – but he’s been brilliant now (for around) six years.
“Even though you are at one of the best clubs and a club that you know are going to be in that top four even in a bad season, it takes something to be as consistent as what he is.
“If he’s not the best then he’s very, very close to the best.”
Aguero, who last week agreed a one-year contract extension to keep him with City until 2021, has lifted three league titles and won three League Cups during his seven years in Manchester.
He scored in the opening day victory over Brighton at the Amex Stadium last season and was then rested for May’s return match with the title already wrapped up.
City manager Pep Guardiola, who saw a much-changed side overcome Oxford in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, may be tempted to make changes against the Seagulls ahead of next week’s Champions League trip to Hoffenheim.
They travel to Germany having suffered a shock home defeat to French side Lyon in their opening European group game.
Hughton, however, does not expect the champions to have their minds elsewhere at the weekend.
“I’m hoping for any distraction we can but I don’t think they do distractions,” said Hughton.
“Even when Pep was at Barcelona, he would have teams that would play Saturday, midweek and sometimes wouldn’t change. I think he’s used to playing a lot of games.
“When you look at the team they put out midweek – all due respect to Oxford – they didn’t have to go that strong.
“The way that they work and the way that the manager works, it’s very much focusing on what the next game is so I don’t think it will help us very much.”
Brighton, who have not won a top flight away game since November, will be without injured midfielders Dale Stephens (hamstring) and Pascal Gross (ankle) in the north west.
