Since joining Arsenal in the summer, Gabriel Martinelli has scored seven goals in as many games. The Brazilian forward has impressed since his arrival from Ituano FC and could be the future of Arsenal’s attack.
Gabriel Martinelli is Arsenal’s Future
Attacking Competition
With the likes of Alexandre Lacazette, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Nicolas Pepe at Arsenal, it is not easy for Martinelli to get minutes in Unai Emery’s side. With the way he has played, Martinelli may force the Spaniard’s hand. In the Europa League, he has scored three times and contributed one assist. Additionally, he has scored four goals in Arsenal’s two Carabao Cup fixtures.
The 18-year-old is loving his football at the moment. With just 405 minutes under his belt thus far in all competitions, he is averaging a goal every 58 minutes, and one could argue that he may deserve a spot in the Premier League team ahead of Pepe who has yet to score from open play in an Arsenal shirt.
High Praise
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was full of praise for Martinelli following the thrilling Carabao Cup tie that saw his side advance on penalties. The Brazilian netted a first-half brace in a match that ended 5-5. Klopp labelled him “a talent of the century.”
Such high praise from one of the world’s top managers will surely flatter the teenager.
Former Arsenal and Manchester United striker, Robin van Persie, also spoke very highly of him earlier this season.
“What I like about him is his link-up play,” the former Netherlands international said. “With time he will get even better, he looks very good.”
No Rush
Although it is an exciting prospect to bring Martinelli into the Premier League side, his minutes must be well managed at a young age. In addition to the more established forwards at Arsenal, he will also be competing with the likes of Bukayo Saka and Reiss Nelson for meaningful minutes.
Although he has been a bright spot, he is not the answer to Arsenal’s problems. They do not lack finishing ability, they lack the creativity from their midfield that the attack needs. In 45 minutes of Premier League action spanning across three matches, he has not been on the scoresheet.
Unai Emery is not afraid to show confidence in his youngsters. The obvious example would be Matteo Guendouzi, who joined from Ligue 2 side FC Lorient in the summer of 2018. The young Frenchman became an instant starter at Arsenal when he was shockingly included in Unai Emery’s first Premier League match in charge against Manchester City. We will see how long it takes him to give the young Brazilian a start.
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